TITLE
U. V. Monitoring Program at U. S. EPA

AUTHOR(S)
Barnard, W. F., and Cupitt, L. T.


PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Atmospheric Research and Exposure Assessment
Laboratory
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC

SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS

Atmospheric Research and Exposure Assessment
Laboratory
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC

ABSTRACT
     The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has initiated
a program to develop and operate a monitoring network to measure
ultraviolet (UV) radiation flux at the earth's surface and to
provide for public awareness of exposure to UV radiation through
adaptation and publication of a predictive UV "exposure Index." 
This "Index," similar to the one developed and publicized by Canada
in 1992, is being developed in conjunction with the National
Weather Service for possible public distribution this year. 
Current plans call for a 15 site monitoring network to measure UV
intensities on a spectrally-resolved basis, together with other
parameters (e.g., total column ozone, cloud cover, interfering
tropospheric pollutants, etc.) that affect UV flux.  Eleven urban
sites will provide data to validate the "Index" predictions in
proximity to ~25% of the U.S. population.  The combination of urban
(polluted) and four rural (less polluted) sites will enable EPA to
improve the algorithms upon which the "index" predictions are
based.  A series of instrumental intercomparisons with other
agencies are also planned to ensure comparability of data and good
quality assurance/quality control.  EPA's intent is to coordinate
its efforts with other Federal Agencies and with the international
community.