Volatile Organic Compounds in the Atmosphere - (Issues in Environmental Science and Technology) by R M Harrison & R E Hester (Paperback)

About the Book

This book provides readers with in-depth, clearly explained coverage of the many complex scientific and policy issues surrounding VOCs in the atmosphere.

Book Synopsis

Interest in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as air pollutants has increased dramatically in recent years. This book covers a number of very topical issues concerning VOCs, including stratospheric ozone depletion due to CFCs, and the properties of alternative substances; the role of VOCs in the photochemical formation of lower atmosphere (tropospheric) ozone; and the problem of the direct toxicity of VOCs such as benzene and formaldehyde. This Issue reviews our current knowledge of VOCs, drawing upon the expertise of renowned experts and major national and international research programmes. It examines man-made and natural sources, as well as pathways and chemical reactions in the atmosphere. It also looks closely at the sources and concentrations of VOCs indoors, where humans are most likely to be exposed to them. Volatile Organic Compounds in the Atmosphere describes techniques used for the calculation of emissions inventories and strategies for control, and explores the many Government policy matters relating to VOCs. It provides readers with in-depth, clearly explained coverage of the many complex scientific and policy issues surrounding VOCs in the atmosphere.

From the Back Cover

Interest in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as air pollutants has increased dramatically in recent years. This book covers a number of very topical issues concerning VOCs, including stratospheric ozone depletion due to CFCs, and the properties of alternative substances; the role of VOCs in the photochemical formation of lower atmosphere (tropospheric) ozone; and the problem of the direct toxicity of VOCs such as benzene and formaldehyde. This Issue reviews our current knowledge of VOCs, drawing upon the expertise of renowned experts and major national and international research programmes. It examines man-made and natural sources, as well as pathways and chemical reactions in the atmosphere. It also looks closely at the sources and concentrations of VOCs indoors, where humans are most likely to be exposed to them. Volatile Organic Compounds in the Atmosphere describes techniques used for the calculation of emissions inventories and strategies for control, and explores the many Government policy matters relating to VOCs. It provides readers with in-depth, clearly explained coverage of the many complex scientific and policy issues surrounding VOCs in the atmosphere.

Review Quotes

"...Should be a great convenience to all concerned with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere to have this particular collection of information in one location....engineers, scientists and students around the globe should find this work of sufficient general interest to strongly consider adding it to their personal library."

-- "Journal of the American Chemical Society Volume 118 No 36 1996"

About the Author

The series has been edited by Professors Hester and Harrison since it began in 1994.

Professor Roy Harrison OBE is listed by ISI Thomson Scientific (on ISI Web of Knowledge) as a Highly Cited Researcher in the Environmental Science/Ecology category. He has an h-index of 54 (i.e. 54 of his papers have received 54 or more citations in the literature). In 2004 he was appointed OBE for services to environmental science in the New Year Honours List. He was profiled by the Journal of Environmental Monitoring (Vol 5, pp 39N-41N, 2003). Professor Harrison's research interests lie in the field of environment and human health. His main specialism is in air pollution, from emissions through atmospheric chemical and physical transformations to exposure and effects on human health. Much of this work is designed to inform the development of policy.

Now an emeritus professor, Professor Ron Hester's current activities in chemistry are mainly as an editor and as an external examiner and assessor. He also retains appointments as external examiner and assessor / adviser on courses, individual promotions, and departmental / subject area evaluations both in the UK and abroad.