Elevating the Discussion Around Scientific Information

Good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) requires adequate air exchange, MERV 13 filters, monitor of temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide CO2, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde (H2CO), particulates PM2.5, and radon.

Local wastewater monitoring is useful in the detection of viruses and other substances of concern in public health. See, e.g., COVID-19: Wisconsin Wastewater Monitoring Program In November 2023, the Wisconsin Wastewater Monitoring Program updated its method of calculating concentration categories. https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/wastewater.htm

Are you concerned about climate change? Be aware of contrarian claims. See, e.g., https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-01714-4

SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is an airborne vector and MERV 13 filters and masks can slow spreading of aerosols.

Avoid poorly ventilated indoor areas, wear a mask when around others, and observe public health regulations. Practice prudent public health and hygiene.

Vaccines provide defense mechanisms if you become infected.

#BeWell #PutYourOwnOxygenMaskOnFirst

For more information, see: https://chem-consult.com/page/sars-cov-2-and-coronavirus-and-covid-19-resources

__

ACS [ acs.org ] Spring 2025 in San Diego, March 23-27 CINF Trusted Scientific Information for Public Policy Reliable information is crucial for effective public policy discussion and decision-making. Policymakers need accurate, transparent, and trustworthy information to make good decisions and allocate resources that effectively address societal issues. Public trust and accountability are enhanced when evidence is used, not assumptions, bias, or speculation. Problem identification and framing can define issues and avoid or mitigate unintended consequences. When all stakeholders have access to the same reliable information and a voice in the discussion, the results are easier accepted by all. This symposium has speakers who will share their best practices in providing reliable information to the public.

--

ACS [ acs.org ] Fall 2024 in Denver, August 18-22

Division of Chemical Information (CINF)

Elevating the Discussion around Scientific Information

Information flows to us via many channels. Misleading information is more than an inconvenience, it can create chaos and delay or prevent decisions in areas such as public health, environmental action, and the market. Society action taken without regard for reliable information is undesirable. Assessing the quality of scientific literature is an art, a skill that not every member of society is capable of performing. Mis- and dis-information, claims not supported by evidence, can spread like wildfire; if unchallenged, societal polarization can increase and confidence in public institutions can erode. What are the best practices that we can share, to help society understand and resolve complex social and technical issues? This session brings elements of information theory, education, libraries, behavioral science, artificial intelligence, and public policy as tools to address misleading information.

--

ACS [ acs.org ] Fall 2024 in Denver, August 18-22

Division of Energy & Fuels (ENFL)

Elevating the Discussion around Methane

The current global market value of methane (natural gas) is $105 billion and is projected to grow at least 5% per year. Methane is second in terms of contribution to the greenhouse gas inventory, between carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, and accounting for about 30% of the global warming since the industrial revolution; the atmospheric concentration of methane is increasing faster than at any time since record keeping began in the 1980s. Methane’s savior is its mean atmospheric lifetime of about ten years, providing a near-term opportunity to mitigate its atmospheric concentration, the imbalance between natural sources and sinks. This symposium includes methane sources and sinks, measurement, control, and use technology, climate modeling, regulatory impacts, and market supply and demand.

--