State studies Juneau air for possible effects from ships

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - State officials are documenting air quality in Juneau to determine if harmful pollutants are showing up from cruise ships or other sources.

The Juneau Empire reports the state in late April installed 21 monitors around downtown Juneau.

They're part of the first ambient air quality study in the capital in more than a decade. Monitors measuring sulfur dioxide also were installed.

The monitors use lasers to measure fine particulate. The inhalable particles can cause respiratory illness, aggravated asthma, heart attacks and premature death.

Particulate generated by wood-burni...