title: Nanometer-sized emissions from municipal waste incinerators: A qualitative risk assessment.
abstract: Municipal waste incinerators (MWI) are beneficial alternatives to landfills for waste management. A recent constituent of concern in emissions from these facilities is incidental nanometer-sized particles (INPMWI), i.e., particles smaller than 1 micrometer in size that may deposit in the deepest parts of the lungs, cross into the bloodstream, and affect different regions of the body. With limited data, the public may fear INPMWIdue to uncertainty, which may affect public acceptance, regulatory permitting, and the increased lowering of air quality standards. Despite limited data, a qualitative risk assessment paradigm can be applied to determine the relative risk due to INPMWIemissions. This review compiles existing data on nanometer-sized particle generation by MWIs, emissions control technologies used at MWIs, emission releases into the atmosphere, human population exposure, and adverse health effects of nanometer-sized particles to generate a qualitative risk assessment and identify data gaps. The qualitative risk assessment conservatively concludes that INPMWIpose a low to moderate risk to individuals, primarily due to the lack of relevant toxicological data on INPMWImixtures in ambient particulate matter.
authors: GHD, 1755 Wittington Place, Suite 500, Dallas, TX 75234, USA. Electronic address: david.r.johnson@ghd.com.
authors: David R
authors: DR
authors: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D017745:Incineration; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000633:toxicity*; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000633:toxicity*; D018570:Risk Assessment
chemical_list: D052638:Particulate Matter
keywords: Emissions; Incidental nanoparticles; Municipal waste incinerators; Particulate matter; Risk