Emissions of PCDD/F from uncontrolled, domestic waste burning.
Emissions of polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) result from inefficiencies of combustion processes, most typically waste combustion. Uncontrolled combustion, such as occurs during so-called "backyard burning" of domestic waste, may therefore produce optimal conditions for formation and emission of PCDD/F. However, few assessments of PCDD/F emissions are available from these sources. This work describes the first known comprehensive assessment of PCDD/F emissions from uncontrolled, domestic waste burning. Emissions were copious, but highly variable, ranging over several orders of magnitude. The potential for emissions appears to be related primarily to combustion parameters and concentrations of various gas-phase species, the latter which may be affected by changes in waste composition, waste orientation, and/or combustion conditions.
Gullett
B K
BK
US Environmental Protection Agency, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA. gullett.brian@epa.gov
Lemieux
P M
PM
Lutes
C C
CC
Winterrowd
C K
CK
Winters
D L
DL
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D001572:Benzofurans / Q000032:analysis*; D000072338:Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006795:Household Products; D017745:Incineration; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000032:analysis*; D012037:Refuse Disposal; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*
D000393:Air Pollutants; D001572:Benzofurans; D000072338:Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; D012989:Soil Pollutants