Featuring CEE Professor Timothy Larson

Thursday, February 16, 4pm
Mary Gates Hall, Room 389 

Fine Particles in Seattle’s Air:
What, When, Where, Why and So What?

In recent years, it has become widely recognized by the scientific community that airborne particles known as ‘fine particles’ are harmful to human health. This is not surprising when the pollution is extreme- we commonly see pictures in the news depicting heavy urban haze shrouding cities in other parts of the world, where people routinely wear masks to reduce exposures. But what about the fine particles in Seattle and the surrounding area? While the air is cleaner in Seattle than the developing world, it may surprise you to find out that it wasn’t always this way. Learn how air quality has improved overall, which areas in Seattle are still problematic, and what needs to be done.

CEE Professor Timothy Larson also holds a joint appointment in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences. Larson has more than 35 years of experience in air quality research, specifically in characterization of urban air pollution and its sources. His major focus in recent years has been assessing human exposure to outdoor generated air pollutants. He has successfully collaborated with colleagues in health sciences on many projects related to the health consequences of exposure to air pollution.