Analytical methods were refined and applied to the ambient analysis of 44 organic chemicals, many of which are bacterial mutagens or suspected carcinogens. On-site field collection programs, based on single site studies of 9 to 11 days duration each, were conducted in 10 U.S. cities. Field studies were performed with an instrumented mobile laboratory. A round-the-clock measurement schedule was followed at all sites. The field measurements allowed a determination of atmospheric concentrations, variabilities, and mean diurnal behaviors of the chemicals. The data analyzed relative to theoretically estimated removal rates. Typical diurnal profiles show highest concentrations of the primary pollutants during nighttime or early morning hours, with minimum concentrations in the afternoon hours. Chemistry plays only a nominal role in defining this diurnal behavior in most cases. Except for aromatic hydrocarbons and aldehydes, average concentrations of the measured species were in the 0- to 5-ppb range. The average concentration range observed for aromatics and aldehydes was 0- to 20-ppb.

"January 1983." "EPA-600/3-83-002." "Reproduced by National Technical Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, Va." "PB83-156935." Includes bibliographical references.