Tony J Ward

..These preliminary results suggest that trees in the Libby valley and along vermiculite shipping corridors can serve as reservoirs for amphibole fibers, and that a potential for exposure exists for those who harvest contaminated wood...

..Although there were modest increases in some of the other SVOCs and VOCs measured during the fire season, none of the increases were as dramatic as the phenolics...

..These findings stress the need for identifying a clean fuel source for the inhabitants of Libby to prevent future exposures...

..In summary, the CMB model results, coupled with the 14C results, support that wood smoke is the major contributor to the overall PM2.5 mass in these rural, northern Rocky Mountain airsheds throughout the winter months...

..5) concentrations (as measured by TSI, Inc. DustTrak PM(2.5) air samplers) inside homes following the replacement of old, polluting woodstove with new EPA-certified woodstoves...

..For the majority of the compounds, there were no significant correlations between indoor and ambient concentrations...

..The results of this four year sampling program suggest that the Libby woodstove changeout program was successful in reducing overall concentrations of the measured phenolic and PAH compounds...

..These results suggest that a woodstove changeout can be an effective tool in reducing ambient levels of PM2.5 in woodstove-impacted communities...

..25), EC concentrations were similar between each of the schools. Despite the differences in concentrations between the schools at the various fraction levels, the OC/EC ratio was determined to be similar...

..Effective messaging to homeowners on proper use of their new stove is a necessary task of a woodstove changeout...

..PM(2.5) samples collected during the smoke events were composed of approximately 65% OC. However, the OC fraction of the particles collected in the smoke impaired Missoula valley was not composed of significant amounts of PCDD/F...

..5-associated PAHs measured during the winter months in a northern Rocky Mountain urban airshed, when concentrations of PM2.5 are generally at their highest compared with the rest of the year...

..These studies suggest that diet is a major factor in determining urinary levoglucosan levels and that recent dietary history needs to be taken into account for future work involving levoglucosan as a biomarker of wood smoke exposure...

..The use of woodstoves or other types of heating in the homes of children was not associated with reported wheezing during the winter...

..Levoglucosan (LG), a sugar anhydride released by combustion of cellulose-containing materials, is an attractive candidate as a biomarker of wood smoke exposure...

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..01). Of those reporting worsened symptoms in fall or winter, 61% reported breathing problems during winter inversions (p < 0.001)...

..1% (95% CI 29.0% to 57.6%)). Conclusion This wood stove intervention provided a unique opportunity to prospectively observe health benefits resulting from a targeted air pollution reduction strategy in a rural community...

..A better understanding of the sources and patterns of poor air quality within base camps would help to inform prevention strategies to reduce personnel exposures...

..This project will also determine the extent of asbestos contamination (within trees) in Libby and major transportation corridors and the potential of asbestos fiber exposures during firewood harvesting activities. ..

..Clinically significant health outcomes will be measured. Results from this study will provide important information for implementing public health strategies for asthma management in the presence of this common exposure. ..

..Clinically significant health outcomes will be measured. Results from this study will provide important information for implementing public health strategies for asthma management in the presence of this common exposure. ..