Comparative Chemistry and Toxicity of Combustion Emissions from Biomass and Synthetic Materials#

PAHs displayed significant, positive relationships with flaming smoke PM from the burning of plastic-containing materials, increased neutrophil influx, cytokine levels, and mutagenicity. For example, benzo[a]pyrene. Inorganic elements demonstrated positive relationships with flaming plywood and cardboard smoke PM, increased protein and albumin levels. For example, Cu and Si. A computation network analysis can be used to characterize (quantitatively and qualitatively) the relationship between chemical components and toxicity outcomes which could not be determined in traditional toxicity assessments. Resulting data can be also used to identify or screen specific hazardous chemicals from exposure to complex mixtures of environmental chemicals. 

Impact/Purpose

Where There is Smoke There are Health Impacts!   The combustion system and associated methods provide stable and reproducible smoke atmospheres that can be used for emission testing and toxicity assays. Fuel composition and combustion conditions influence the chemistry, toxicity and mutagenicity of biomass smoke with peat and eucalyptus smoke being more potent (on a PM mass basis) than e.g. oak. Biomass smoke inhalation has significant effects on lung injury and inflammation, and decreases breathing frequency and heart rate, while increasing blood pressure and risk of cardiac disease. Depending on the fuel type, filtration can partially but not completely abrogate pulmonary effects. 

Citation

Gilmour, Ian. Comparative Chemistry and Toxicity of Combustion Emissions from Biomass and Synthetic Materials#. 2022 International Particulate Toxicology Conference (IPTC), Santa Fe, NM, August 28 - 31, 2022.