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Understanding individual heat exposure through interdisciplinary research on thermoception
Get PDFExtreme heat events are more frequent and more intense globally due to climate change. The urban environment is an additional factor enhancing the effects of heat. Adults above 65 years old are especially at risk due to their poorer health, physiology and socio-economic situation. Yet, there is limited knowledge about their experiences of summer heat, their actual heat exposure and how they negotiate their thermal comfort through different adaptation practices. In conventional research on heat exposure and thermal comfort, very little attention is given to individual behaviour and subjective experiences. To understand how older adults feel the heat in the city we study their thermoception, which we conceptualise as an embodied knowledge about bodily sensations, thermal environments and adjustments to heat. This article stems from interdisciplinary research conducted in Warsaw and Madrid in the summers of 2021–2022. We combine and juxtapose data from ethnographic research and from physical measurements of temperature gathered in people’s homes, to show on a microscale how we can study and understand the diversity in individual heat exposure more holistically. We demonstrate that to understand the consequences of heat for vulnerable populations it is crucial to study thermoception, the subjective experiences of heat, in addition to analysing their thermal environments. With the use of a unique methodology, this article shows how similar weather conditions are experienced differently by people from the same cities, depending on the materiality of their dwellings, availability of cooling devices, as well as everyday habits and their individual bodies. We discuss the social, material and temporal adjustments participants made to deal with heat, to showcase their agency in affecting their individual heat exposure. The article emphasises the role of social sciences and qualitative methods in research on individual heat exposure and argues for the co-production of knowledge on the topic.publishedVersio
Luftkvalitet i Sandefjord, Norway. November 2021 – august 2023.
No full textThis report examines the air quality patterns in terms of particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) in Sandefjord, Norway. PM2.5 was monitored through five low-cost sensors in hourly resolution from November 2021 to August 2023. The sensors’ reliability is high, with consistent PM2.5 measurements and similar variation over time. Occasional extreme PM2.5 was attributed to local contributions with higher values observed during cold months, or specific long-range transport events. Overall, Sandefjord maintained good air quality for most of the measurement period with daily PM2.5 levels below the air quality criteria. Residential heating activities (wood burning) is the most significant local source, being more pronounced during winter.Rapporten gir en omfattende analyse av PM2.5 - konsentrasjonen i Sandefjord, Norge. I 2021 ble det etablert et målenettverk for PM2.5 bestående av fem rimelige luftkvalitetssensorer (LCS). Her gjøres en analyse av målte PM2.5-konsentrasjoner i perioden november 2021 til august 2023. Lignende variasjon og PM2.5-målinger som er konsistente over tid indikerer høy sensorpålitelighet. En og annen ekstrem PM2,5 ble tilskrevet lokale bidrag med høyere verdier observert i kalde måneder, eller spesifikke episoder med langtransportert luftforurensning. Samlet sett var det god luftkvalitet i Sandefjord i det meste av måleperioden med PM2,5-nivåer under grenseverdiene. Utslipp fra vedfyring er den viktigste lokale kilden, og er mer uttalt om vinteren.publishedVersio
5 years of Sentinel-5P TROPOMI operational ozone profiling and geophysical validation using ozonesonde and lidar ground-based networks
Get PDFThe Sentinel-5 Precursor (S5P) satellite operated by the European Space Agency has carried the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on a Sun-synchronous low-Earth orbit since 13 October 2017. The S5P mission has acquired more than 5 years of TROPOMI nadir ozone profile data retrieved from the level 0 to 1B processor version 2.0 and the level 1B to 2 optimal-estimation-based processor version 2.4.0. The latter is described in detail in this work, followed by the geophysical validation of the resulting ozone profiles for the period May 2018 to April 2023. Comparison of TROPOMI ozone profile data to co-located ozonesonde and lidar measurements used as references concludes to a median agreement better than 5 % to 10 % in the troposphere. The bias goes up to −15 % in the upper stratosphere (35–45 km) where it can exhibit vertical oscillations. The comparisons show a dispersion of about 30 % in the troposphere and 10 % to 20 % in the upper troposphere to lower stratosphere and in the middle stratosphere, which is close to mission requirements. Chi-square tests of the observed differences confirm on average the validity of the ex ante (prognostic) satellite and ground-based data uncertainty estimates in the middle stratosphere above about 20 km. Around the tropopause and below, the mean chi-square value increases up to about four, meaning that the ex ante TROPOMI uncertainty is underestimated. The information content of the ozone profile retrieval is characterised by about five to six vertical subcolumns of independent information and a vertical sensitivity (i.e. the fraction of the information that originates from the measurement) nearly equal to unity at altitudes from about 20 to 50 km, decreasing rapidly at altitudes above and below. The barycentre of the retrieved information is usually close to the nominal retrieval altitude in the 20–50 km altitude range, with positive and negative offsets of up to 10 km below and above this range, respectively. The effective vertical resolution of the profile retrieval usually ranges within 10–15 km, with a minimum close to 7 km in the middle stratosphere. Increased sensitivities and higher effective vertical resolutions are observed at higher solar zenith angles (above about 60°), as can be expected, and correlate with higher retrieved ozone concentrations. The vertical sensitivity of the TROPOMI tropospheric ozone retrieval is found to depend on the solar zenith angle, which translates into a seasonal and meridian dependence of the bias with respect to reference measurements. A similar although smaller effect can be seen for the viewing zenith angle. Additionally, the bias is negatively correlated with the surface albedo for the lowest three ozone subcolumns (0–18 km), despite the albedo's apparently slightly positive correlation with the retrieval degrees of freedom in the signal. For the 5 years of TROPOMI ozone profile data that are available now, an overall positive drift is detected for the same three subcolumns, while a negative drift is observed above (24–32 km), resulting in a negligible vertically integrated drift.publishedVersio
Monitoring of the atmospheric ozone layer and natural ultraviolet radiation. Annual Report 2023
Get PDFThis report summarizes the results from the Norwegian monitoring programme on stratospheric ozone and UV radiation measurements. The ozone layer has been measured at three locations since 1979: In Oslo/Kjeller, Tromsø/Andøya and Ny-Ålesund. The UV measurements started in 1995. The results show that there was a significant decrease in stratospheric ozone above Norway between 1979 and 1997. After that, the ozone layer stabilized at a level ~2% below pre-1980 level. The year 2023 was characterized by low ozone values in winter, high spring values, and annual average total ozone values slightly below the long-term mean.publishedVersio
Cross-cutting studies of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in Arctic wildlife and humans
Get PDFThis cross-cutting review focuses on the presence and impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Arctic. Several PFAS undergo long-range transport via atmospheric (volatile polyfluorinated compounds) and oceanic pathways (perfluorinated alkyl acids, PFAAs), causing widespread contamination of the Arctic. Beyond targeting a few well-known PFAS, applying sum parameters, suspect and non-targeted screening are promising approaches to elucidate predominant sources, transport, and pathways of PFAS in the Arctic environment, wildlife, and humans, and establish their time-trends. Across wildlife species, concentrations were dominated by perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), followed by perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA); highest concentrations were present in mammalian livers and bird eggs. Time trends were similar for East Greenland ringed seals (Pusa hispida) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus). In polar bears, PFOS concentrations increased from the 1980s to 2006, with a secondary peak in 2014–2021, while PFNA increased regularly in the Canadian and Greenlandic ringed seals and polar bear livers. Human time trends vary regionally (though lacking for the Russian Arctic), and to the extent local Arctic human populations rely on traditional wildlife diets, such as marine mammals. Arctic human cohort studies implied that several PFAAs are immunotoxic, carcinogenic or contribute to carcinogenicity, and affect the reproductive, endocrine and cardiometabolic systems. Physiological, endocrine, and reproductive effects linked to PFAS exposure were largely similar among humans, polar bears, and Arctic seabirds. For most polar bear subpopulations across the Arctic, modeled serum concentrations exceeded PFOS levels in human populations, several of which already exceeded the established immunotoxic thresholds for the most severe risk category. Data is typically limited to the western Arctic region and populations. Monitoring of legacy and novel PFAS across the entire Arctic region, combined with proactive community engagement and international restrictions on PFAS production remain critical to mitigate PFAS exposure and its health impacts in the Arctic.Cross-cutting studies of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in Arctic wildlife and human
Målinger av CF4 og C2 F6 utslipp fra Alcoa Aluminium Mosjøen
Get PDFNILU performed a test campaign for measurements of CF4 and C2F6 for stack emissions at Alcoa Mosjøen Smelter. Time-integrated samples were taken with evacuated canisters combined with low-flow restrictors for continuous sampling periods as long as 4 weeks. The samples were analyzed at NILU with a Medusa preconcentration method combined with GC-MS SIM. As a main conclusion, time integrated sampling together with Medusa GC-MS methodology is a very precise alternative to the traditional attempts to quantify PFC-emission.NILU utførte en testkampanje for målinger av CF4 og C2 F6 fra skorsteinsemisjoner ved Alcoa Mosjøen. Tidsintegrerte prøver ble tatt ved hjelp av evakuerte stålbeholdere kombinert med gass-fløde restriksjoner over en tidsperiode på 14 dager. Prøvene ble analysert på NILU med en Medusa oppkonsentreringsenhet som er koblet til en GC-MS i SIM modus. Metoden viser seg til å være et godt alternativ til de tradisjonelle emisjonsberegninger
Assessment of emissions to air from Glasopor foam glass factory
No full textNILU har, på oppdrag fra Glasopor AS ved Onsøy i Fredrikstad, kartlagt utslipp av støv fra anlegget og effekter på ytre miljø. Bedriften ønsker å oppgradere anlegget og øke produksjonen og har søkt om ny utslippstillatelse. I den forbindelse har Statsforvalteren oppfølgende spørsmål med krav om dokumentasjon knyttet til utslipp av støv og påvirkning på ytre miljø. For å svare på disse spørsmålene har NILU gjennomført målinger, beregning av utslipp og spredningsberegninger. Rapporten skal inngå i dokumentasjonen som oversendes norske myndigheter.NILU has conducted an environmental assessment of dust emissions from the Glasopor foam glass facility at Onsøy. The project included monitoring, calculations of total emissions and dispersion calculations to estimate the total dust emissions from the facility and assess the impact on the surrounding environment.publishedVersio
Measurement of gases in the Regional State Archives in Trondheim. Phase 2 - 2024
No full textDenne rapporten viser resultater fra fase 2 i måleprosjektet NILU har utført ved Statsarkivet i Trondheim. Det er gjort prøvetaking og analyse i en periode på sju dager fra 23. til 30. mai ved to lokaliteter, én innendørs og én utendørs. Totalkonsentrasjonen av VOC’er (TVOC) ble målt til 135 µg/m3 gitt som toluen-ekvivalenter ved lokaliteten inne (MAG A, Reol 097) og 33 µg/m3 ved lokaliteten ute. Resultatene synliggjør effekten av innendørs ventilasjonssystemer og begge studiene vil brukes av Statsarkivet i sitt videre arbeid med innendørs luftkvalitet.This report presents results from phase 2 of the measurement project NILU has carried out at the Regional State Archives of Trondheim. Sampling and analysis were carried out over a period of seven days from 23 to 30 May at two locations, one indoors and one outdoors. The total concentration of VOCs (TVOC) was measured at 135 μg/m3 given as toluene equivalents at the indoor location (MAG A, Shelf 097) and 33 μg/m3 at the outdoor location. The results highlight the effect of indoor ventilation systems and both studies will be used by the Regional State Archives in its further work with indoor air quality.publishedVersio
Data Fusion for Enhancing Urban Air Quality Modeling using Large-Scale Citizen Science
Get PDFRapid urbanization has led to many environmental issues, including poor air quality. With urbanization set to continue, there is an urgent need to mitigate air pollution and minimize its adverse health impacts. This study aims to advance urban air quality management by integrating a dispersion model output with large-scale citizen science data, collected over a 4-week period by 642 participants in Cork City, Ireland. The dispersion model enabled the identification of major sources of NO2 air pollution while also addressing gaps in regulatory monitoring efforts. Integrating the diffusion tube data with the dispersion model output, we developed a data fusion model that captured localized fluctuations in air quality, with increases of up to 22μg/m3 observed at major road intersections. The data fusion model provided a more accurate representation of NO2 concentrations, with estimates within 1.3μg/m3 of the regulatory monitoring measurement at an urban traffic location, an improvement of 11.7μg/m3 from the priori dispersion model. This enhanced accuracy enabled a more precise assessment of the population exposure to air pollution. The data fusion model showed a higher population exposure to NO2 compared to the dispersion model, providing valuable insights that can inform environmental health policies aimed at safeguarding public health.publishedVersio
Dispersion calculations of air pollution from the Sunndal Smelter
Get PDFRapporten presenterer spredningsberegninger for utslipp til luft fra Hydro Sunndal sitt smelteverk i Sunndalsøra for nåsituasjonen med utslippsmengder som i gjeldende utslippstillatelse, og en situasjon med ny utvidet anodefabrikk. Det er beregnet bakkekonsentrasjoner av SO2, støv, fluorider, PAH og metallkomponenter. Det er også gjort beregninger for utslipp i perioden 23. mai til 15. august 2019 hvor NILU utførte målinger av disse komponentene. Basert på beregningene er det vurdert «lav til moderat» risiko for overskridelse av forskriftens målsettingsverdi for nikkel i området nær anlegget. Ny anodefabrikk har ingen vesentlig betydning for konsentrasjonsnivåer utenfor metallverket som er relevant i forhold til gjeldende grenseverdier eller luftkvalitetskriterier.The report presents dispersion calculations for air emissions from Hydro Sunndal's smelter in Sunndalsøra for the current situation with emission levels as per the current emission permit, and a situation with a new anode pre-bake factory. Ambient concentrations of SO 2, dust, fluorides, PAH, and metal components have been calculated. Calculations have also been made for the period from May 23 to August 15, 2019, when NILU conducted measurements of these components. Based on the calculations, there is assessed to be a "low to moderate" risk of exceeding the limit value (“målsettingsverdi”) for nickel in the area near the plant. The new anode factory has no significant impact on concentration levels outside the plant that are relevant in relation to current limit values or air quality criteria.publishedVersio