SACRAMENTO -- The California Air Resources Board (ARB) yesterday approved over $5 million in funding for air pollution research. The funding supports 21 projects for research on health and welfare effects, exposure assessment, global air pollution and technology advancement and pollution prevention. Specifically, the plan includes studies on particulate matter, ship emissions and climate change emissions.

"Research is the foundation of California's vigorous air pollution control program. The scientific and technical information gleaned from this important research helps policymakers form the best possible public health decisions," said ARB Chairman, Dr. Robert F. Sawyer.

Projects of note within the plan include:

• Defining the relationship between air pollution and premature death due to particulate matter (PM) air pollution ($175,000). The growing body of research indicates increased respiratory problems for those who are exposed to PM emissions.

• Determining the nature and magnitude of emissions from offshore shipping emissions ($50,000). Ocean-going ships contribute to poor Southern California air quality, but there is a lack of information on the amount of emissions and how far the pollution travels.

• Quantifying engine lube oil's contribution to mobile source particulate matter emissions ($100,000 ARB sponsorship; total project cost is $400,000 funded via co-sponsorships). Motor vehicle emissions have long been recognized as California's most significant air quality challenge. Lube oil emissions may be the biggest contributor to overall motor vehicle PM emissions, and its reformulation may be a solution.

Funding also covers a variety of studies to address climate change emissions, including work to quantify HFC-134a refrigerant emissions from motor vehicle air conditioning systems, non-professional service and repair of those systems, auto dismantling and recycling, and non-light duty vehicles. In addition, the Board funded climate change research for meteorological impacts, economic impacts and benefits of implementing control strategies.

For a comprehensive list of projects approved by the Board today, please visit the Air Pollution Research web page: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/apr/apr.htm.

The ARB's research program was established by the Legislature in 1971. The comprehensive program works to set health-protective ambient air quality standards, and address the causes, sources, health effects and possible solutions to California's air quality challenges. The ARB continually looks to partner with other state agencies, local air districts, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other well-known research groups for co-funding opportunities.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.