Science for Alaska lecture to focus on Fairbanks air quality

Submitted by Amy Hartley
Phone: 907-474-5823
02/08/10

Fairbanks air quality can be unhealthy. Fine particulate pollution from car exhaust and wood smoke can pool in the Tanana Valley and hover over the city. In 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated Fairbanks as non-attainment for particle matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. What does this mean for the community? Find out at the next Science for Alaska lecture.

On Feb. 9 at 7 p.m., Cathy Cahill will discuss what fine particulate pollution is, what creates it and why Fairbanksans should be concerned about it. Cahill, an associate professor at the Geophysical Institute and the University of Alaska Fairbanks Chemistry Department, will present "What’s Smoking Now? Fairbanks Air Quality and PM 2.5" in the Westmark Gold Room. The lecture is the fourth installment in the 2010 Science for Alaska Lecture Series.

Science for Alaska is sponsored by the Geophysical Institute, UAF and Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. The series runs on Tuesdays through Feb. 23, 2010 and is free to the public.

Hands-on activities for all ages begin at 6 p.m. inside the Gold Room. Families are welcome.

ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Cathy Cahill, UAF associate professor of chemistry, 907-474-6905, or cathy.cahill@gi.alaska.edu. Marmian Grimes, UAF public information officer, at 907-474-7902 or mlgrimes@alaska.edu.

ON THE WEB: www.scienceforalaska.com

AH/2-8-10/144-10