Population exposure calculations using QUIC

The primary purpose for studying atmospheric dispersion of contaminants in the urban environment is to understand the effects on people. This is true regardless of whether the contaminant released is airborne pollen, pollution from a smoke stack or highway, or the intentional release of chemical, biological, or radiological material in a terrorist attack. While the number of people affected by a release is of primary interest it is also often grossly oversimplified. Far too often the population is assumed to be outdoors where they are exposed to the full dose of the plume. In order to determine the scope of the release in a realistic way the distribution of the population, the protection of buildings, and the mode of exposure to individuals must be taken into account. Some recent modifications to the Quick Urban & Industrial Complex (QUIC) atmospheric dispersion modeling system have been aimed at addressing these issues. Modifications to the indoor infiltration scheme, incorporation of a day/night population database, and addition of an inhalation model will be presented.