AGENCIES OR COMPANIES INTERESTED IN DONATING AIR MONITORING EQUIPMENT TO
ARGENTINA AS  PART OF THE WHO/UNEP GEMS/AIR TWINNING PROGRAM

There is an immediate need for assistance to the cities of Rosario and
Mendoza, Argentina, to support the establishment of air pollution monitoring
networks.  If you have equipment that is not being used, but in good
operating condition, it may be very valuable to these cities in their efforts
to determine the air quality, and subsequent air pollution control programs
to reduce unhealthy levels of pollution.

Rosario, Argentina's second largest city with a metropolitan population of
1,190,000, has a large industrial complex of sulfuric acid plants,
refineries, chemical plants, fertilizer plants, paper mills, and metallurgic
industries.  It would like to establish an initial air monitoring network of
four stations.  Monitoring priorities are for PM, NOx, SO2, CO, and HC, in
that order.  At least two of the gaseous monitors at each site should be
continuous samplers. Ideally, Rosario would like to have a complete set of
these monitors at each site but would appreciate any help from outside donors
to begin establishing this network.  Additional information, specifications,
and prior monitoring data is available for interested participants.

Mendoza is a rapidly growing metropolitan area of 650,000 at the foot of the
Andes Mountains.  Its climate and topography are similar to many cities in
the Western United States.  In addition to its famed vineyards and wine, it
has a growing industrial complex including eight petrochemical companies and
metal refining operations.  Mendoza has an active air monitoring program, and
is looking for donations of several specific instruments to supplement its
ozone and hydrocarbon monitoring.  Its highest priority is two hydrocarbon
monitors (gas chromatographs), one of which would be used in a mobile monitor
station.  In particular, they are looking for a gas chromatograph such as a
Photovac 10S Plus.  Their other priority would be to place continuous ozone
monitors, such as a APOA-360, at three existing monitoring stations.
  Additional information, specifications, and prior monitoring data is
available for interested participants.

The WHO/UNEP GEMS/AIR Twinning Program has received interest from 25
different countries, and over twenty U.S. and one European air pollution
agency has indicated interests in donating equipment.  Three countries
(Philippines, Ghana, and Tanzania) have completed Twinning arrangements and
have donated equipment in operation.  Nepal, Kenya, Armenia, and India are in
the final stages of reaching Twinning agreements with U.S. agencies.  The
cost of shipping the equipment, though relatively minor, can often be paid by
an international organization or the national environmental agency in the
recipient country.  The opportunity for the private sector, such as air
monitoring equipment manufacturers, to participate in another country's
efforts to expand their air monitoring could prove quite profitable. The
benefits of establishing this "sister-city" relationship will go far beyond
the initial exchange of monitors and lead to improved environmental quality.

If you are interested in donating to this important cause, please contact
David Calkins, WHO Consultant, for further information at (510) 254-5942 
(fax and phone) or by internet at: davcalkins@aol.com