Expected Decline in Carboxyhemogldbin Levels As Related to Automobile Carbon Monoxide Emission Standards |
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Authors: | Howard P Gates Jr Lawrence A Goldmuntz |
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Institution: | 1. Economics &2. Science Planning , Washington , D.C , USA |
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Abstract: | Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels in blood are principally due to inhalation of carbon monoxide, although a low level (approximately 0.3%) of COHb is endogenous. A carboxyhemoglobin level above 1.5 % in non-smokers indicates exposure to CO in excess of the 10 mg/m3 air quality standard established under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970. In most major U.S. cities, automobile emissions constitute the principal source of CO; in Chicago, according to EPA estimates,1 light duty vehicles are responsible for 69.3% of all CO emissions. Thus as new automobiles incorporating emission controls enter the automotive fleet and older, emission-uncontrolled automobiles are phased out, ambient CO concentrations should decline and corresponding reductions in blood carboxyhemoglobin levels of nonsmokers can be expected. |
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