Low smoke fuels can double ultrafine particulate emissions
Scientists working at the University of Galway’s Ryan Institute have carried out a number of controlled burning tests in domestic stoves using peat, wood, and ‘low smoke’ manufactured products, including alternative coal types.
Using advanced measurement instruments, the team was able to determine the density of ultrafine particulate matter emitted as a result of the combustion. This refers to particles which are smaller than 100nm in diameter. Real world samples were also taken from Dublin snd Birr, Co. Offaly, allowing for a comparison between laboratory results and the actual air people breathe during winter pollution episodes. Analysis of these two datasets allows for accurate lung-deposition modelling and an assessment of which fuels are worst for public health.
‘Our study shows that in trying to cut particulate mass, emissions of the tiniest particles have unintentionally been driven up, which may be even more harmful to human health,’ said Professor Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Director of the Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies at the Ryan Institute, University of Galway.
‘These ultrafine particles from ‘low smoke’ fuels penetrate deepest into the lungs, from there to the cardiovascular system, and they can even reach the brain,’ they continued. ‘Based on this data, we underscore the need to move away from residential solid fuel burning as part of the wider societal aim to decarbonise the economy by 2050.’
Key takeaways from the study include:
- Replacing smoky fuels with ‘low-smoke’ counterparts results in a two to three-fold increase in ultrafine particle emissions.
- Smaller ultrafine particles can penetrate deeper into the lungs and deposit there, this newly documented trend may offset some of the benefits of reducing smoke emissions. Instead of reducing the human exposure to ultrafine particles by reducing the total particulate matter (PM) mass, it results in an increase in the number of ultrafine particles and, potentially, health effects
- Overall particle number concentrations are significantly (10 times) underestimated in current air quality models
Image: Patrick / Unsplash
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