Fuzzy environmental decision-making: applications to air pollution

This paper illustrates ways in which concepts from fuzzy set theory may be applied to decision-making in the environmental sciences. Examples of its application to uncertainty, particularly in air pollution, are illustrated. No one of a number of methods for dealing with uncertainty is advocated, but rather a choice from a range of techniques should be made, appropriate to the application. Use of fuzzy sets formalises the underlying assumptions regarding uncertainty and therefore leads to better decision-making. This paper illustrates the flexibility of the approach, taking examples from air quality management, integrated pollution prevention and control, and human health assessment. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.