Understanding how Fairbanks pollution differs from that of the Lower 48

By Bill Simpson and Krista Heeringa Fine particulate matter pollution in high latitude cities like Fairbanks is a serious problem for the health of residents during winter.  In addition to meteorological conditions that create strong inversions in Fairbanks during winter, chemical reactions among pollutants behave differently in cold, dark conditions …

Making toast for air quality

The Fairbanks Winter Air Project (FairAir) shared results at the UAF Arctic Research Open House. Since this event was in May, it was well after the wintertime pollution season, and being before the wildfire season, air quality was quite good. For that reason, we need a source of particles and …

Local opinions about air quality

By Nathan Kettle  Fairbanks, North Pole, and surrounding areas frequently experience unhealthy levels of particulate matter in winter air. Our community has been working on addressing the linked issues of winter air pollution, affordable energy and wood burning for over a decade. But how exactly do people in North Pole …