BBQ charcoal as an important source of mercury emission.
In this study, the environmental significance of mercury emission has been investigated with respect to the use of the barbecue (BBQ) charcoal. For this purpose, emission gas samples collected from a total of 11 barbecue charcoal products commonly available in the Korean market were analyzed. All of these products consist of both domestic (4 types) and imported products (7 types from three countries). The emission concentration of Hg varied widely from sample to sample ranging from 114 to 496ngm(-3). The amount of Hg emission appeared to be affected by the diverse nature of raw materials and/or the processes involved in their production. In light of the recent reference exposure limits (REL) of Hg, it can be a potential threat to human health. As such, a proper regulation is desirable from a toxicological viewpoint to reduce the potential risk associated with the use of BBQ charcoal.
Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Sejong University, Gwang Jin Goo, Seoul 143-747, Republic of Korea.
Sudhir Kumar
SK
Pandey
Ki-Hyun
KH
Kim
Chang-Hee
CH
Kang
Myung Chae
MC
Jung
H
H
Yoon
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000032:analysis; D002606:Charcoal / Q000032:analysis*; D003296:Cooking; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D007723:Korea; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis*
D000393:Air Pollutants; D002606:Charcoal; D008628:Mercury