Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search

Basra).    This  modeling  data has   caused some  confusion  among
recipients   who thought   that the   computer generated  data  are
measured data.  KFUPM is the in-country focal point for analysis of
collected particulate matter.  Scientists at KFUPN pointed out that
regional air sampling has historically shown high saline content,
high temperatures, and variably high suspended particles.

     2.d.   Meteorological Research Flight   (MRF), Meteorological
Office, Royal Aerospace Establishment, Farnborough, United Kingdom.
The  XRF  is  a specially  modified   C-130 Hercules aircraft  that
carries   out  air monitoring  research  in  U.K.   They  have  the
capability   for  monitoring   particulates,   solar  and   nuclear
radiation, particulate analysis, water interactions, and radiation
absorption.   They have some real time analysis capability but rely
on filtered samples and air sampling flasks for such analysis as
heavy  metals  and hydrocarbons.   Their   monitoring flights  were
coordinated through the President of MEPA in Jeddah (Dr. Abdulbar
Al Gain)   and are limited to ten days terminating today    (1 April
1991).   Flight profiles varied from altitudes of 50 feet to 18,000
feet and distances from the source of 60 nautical miles (100 km) to
several hundred miles.   Profiles and air analysis will be used to
try to characterize the smoke plume from bottom to top and from
side to side. One use of this measured data will be to refine the
computer models for air quality forecasting.    Measurements at 60
miles from the source showed up to 1000 parts per billion (PPH) of
sulfur dioxide,  50 to 100 PPH of nitric oxides     (Nox), very low
levels of ozone (secondary to reactions with Nox) near the source
with 80 PPH downwind.    NOTE:  these levels cannot be compared to
the ambient air quality standards which are arithmetic mean 8 hour
or 24 hour samples.   Passive cavity aerosol sampling probe (PCASP)
measurements   (0.1 to 10  micron) showed  an  integrated count  of
30,000/cm3 close to the source and 1,0001cm3 at 1,000 km from the
source.   The highest concentration was at approximately 1,000 feet
altitude.
     The XRF spokesman was quick to point out that this "plume" was
unprecedented in size and complexity with multiple point sources,
each with a unique composition,    and that the variance from the
point  source  to the  intermingled,  disseminated  cloud could  be
immense.    Also, the  aged  plume  could  be  vastly different  in
character and composition from the initial plume.
     The final report of the MRF will be submitted to the President
of the MEPA and will be available to interested parties.

     2.e.    12th Preventive Medicine   Unit,  3rd MEDCOM,  US Army
Central Command   (ARCENT).  ARCENT is the U.S.   Central Command's
agency for air quality monitoring.    The 12th Preventive Medicine
Unit has taken air samples from the Kuwait City port areas and
"Camp Freedom".   Medical record review for respiratory complaints
was also accomplished.   Initial assessment showed acceptable (below
U.S. ambient air standards) toxic gases (carbon monoxide, hydrogen
sulfide, sulfur dioxide) and total particulate count.   Analysis of
particulate  composition   is being accomplished by the U.S.   Army
Environmental Hygiene Agency and will    include total particulate
counts,   benzene solubles1 metals,   volatile organics, polycyclic

Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search