Since 1991, air pollution has gained special
attention in Taiwan after a petrochemical complex was constructed in Mailiao
Township, Yunlin County. We explored the association between the magnitude of
PM2.5 and meteorological factors during 2012-2016. Our findings
revealed that 1) mean PM2.5 levels gradually decreased from 30.70
μg/m3 in 2013 to 25.36 μg/m3 in 2016; 2) wind speed is
the main determinant of air quality—air quality significantly improved when it
was faster than 4 m/sec; and 3) wind direction is another determinant of air
quality—when the wind direction was southerly, air quality improved. Elevated
PM2.5 levels were defined as those hourly levels higher than the
third quartile (36 μg/m3). The significantly negative predictive
factors for elevated PM2.5 levels were the summer or autumn seasons,
rainfall, increased wind speed, and wind direction from 150° to 230° from the north. The significantly positive
predictive factors for elevated PM2.5 levels were working hours from
6 a.m. to 2 p.m., a temperature between 11°C and 25°C, relative
humidity between 40% and 68%, and wind direction (e.g., northerly wind,
northeasterly wind, and easterly wind). The predictive formula is attached in
the Appendix. Therefore, people should protect themselves on these
high-risk days.
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