Thesis (M.S.)--Michigan State University. Dept. of Geography, 2008. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Aug. 11, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 108-112). Also issued in print.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2007. / Adviser: Ron Johnson. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 1998. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 226-244). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia State University, 2004. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 199-228).

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2007. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains xv, 133 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 91-95).

Thesis (I.M.E.S.)--Baylor University, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 107-118).

Thesis (MTech (Chemical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2006 / Measurement and forecasting of visibility is essential in assessing the extent of visibility degradation (haze) due to air pollution in Cape Town. Rapid impairment in visibility over the years forced the City ofCape Town to initiate the Brown Haze I (BH I) study in September 1997. The main objective of the Brown Haze I Study was to determine the contribution of all major pollutant sources to the brown haze, and to determine other factors that contribute to haze formation. However to date no study has attempted to devise quantitative methods to monitor visibility in Cape Town. This study reports on a new method of measuting visibility using Digital Image Processing. An hourly series of time-stamped images of three scenic vistas was recorded over a period of 8 months (20060318 to 20061031) using three co-located Sanyo E-6311xP-H digital cameras equipped with E-50500D 20 to lOOrnrn Variable-focal Auto Iris Lenses. The cameras were orientated in three directions (approximately due west, north and east). These time- stamped images were archived for subsequent digital image processing. The average image intensities of selected areas of each image were calculated using the histogram function of digital image processing software (PhotoshopTM 7.0), to obtain the inherent and apparent contrast ratios. The inherent and apparent contrast measurements were then used to calculate light extinction coefficient (bex') and the visual range (VR).

Over the last several years studies have shown that the quality of indoor air may be worse than outdoor air. People spend as much as 90% of their time indoors, therefor, the associated health risk due to indoor air pollution may be greater than the risk due to outdoor air pollution. Building designs have altered dramatically over the last two decades resulted in "tighter" buildings that rely on sophisticated mechanical systems to provide for the quantity of air required throughout the building. These changes over the years could result in an increased number of complaints received regarding Sick Building Syndrome symptoms. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 30% of office buildings world-wide may have significant problems regarding poor indoor air quality (IAQ). This study involves a literature study of the major indoor air pollutants regarding the source of the pollutant, the associated health effects, the measuring techniques available and the results of previous studies conducted on the specific pollutant. Measurements will be taken in two sealed buildings, one an old and the other a new building to identify the major pollutants. A questionnaire was compiled specifically for building occupants and completed by the occupants of both buildings. From the results obtained a step-by-step method for solving indoor air quality (IAQ) problems was proposed. The method was applied and evaluated in a case study of a problem building where indoor air quality related problems were experienced. The results of the study revealed that the major indoor air pollutants are present in old as well as new buildings. The study also revealed that some office workers might be more susceptible than others to the medical reactions cause to human beings by these pollutants. Some concentrations are higher in new buildings than in old buildings. The responses from the questionnaire was evaluated against the results obtained from the measurement study. The step-by-step method in the case study provided a more systematic approach at solving IAQ problems at buildings. Solving indoor air quality problems is a very practical issue and does not necessarily require an investment of expensive high technology equipment, but might merely require a practical approach. Environmental Health Officers can play a major role in providing expert advice when scrutinizing building plans. Environmental Health Officers should empower themselves with the knowledge to do inspections or investigations in office buildings by using the step-by-step method for investigating indoor air quality problems. By addressing indoor air quality problems in buildings, the workers in healthy buildings can increase their productivity with lasting effects on a company’s bottom line.

published_or_final_version / Urban Studies / Master / Master of Social Sciences

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