The EPA's Office of Research and Development is seeking research proposals to determine present and future sources of fine and coarse atmospheric particulate matter (PM). The agency's goals are to determine the sources contributing to measured concentrations and compositions of PM in ambient air; understand the regional variations in the importance of sources; and use results from these apportionment studies to assess the effectiveness of potential control strategies.

Fine and coarse particles are distinct in their emission sources, formation processes, chemical composition, atmospheric residence times, transport distances and other parameters. PM is known to contribute to adverse respiratory and cardiovascular problems and is regulated under the CAA. In 1997, the agency added new standards for PM 2.5, particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in width.

The EPA will provide six or seven awards for a total of $3 million through its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program. The deadline for research applications is March 31, 2004. Contact Darrell Winner at (202) 564-6929 or winner.darrell@epa.gov, or visit http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2004/2004_source_pm.html.