The origin, fate, and health effects of combustion by-products: A research framework

Maureen D. Avakian, Barry Dellinger, Heidelore Fiedler, Brian Gullet, Catherine Koshland, Stellan Marklund, Günter Oberdörster, Stephen Safe, Adel Sarofim, Kirk R. Smith, David Schwartz, William A. Suk

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

Incomplete combustion processes can emit organic pollutants, metals, and fine particles. Bombustion by-products represent global human and environmental health challenges that are relevant not only in heavily industrialized nations, but also in developing nations were up to 90% of rural households rely on unprocessed biomass fuels for cooking, warmth, and light. These issues were addressed at the Seventh International Congress on Combustion By-Products, which Convened 4-6 June 2001 in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. This congress included a diverse group of multidisciplinary researchers and practitioners who discussed recent developments and future goals in the control of combustion by-products and their effects of exposure on human and ecologic health. Participants recommended that interdisciplinary, coordinated research efforts should be focused to capitalize on the important potential synergisms between efforts to reduce the adverse human health effects linked to exposure to combustion by-products and broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy through efficiency. In this article we summarize the principal findings and recommendations for research focus and direction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1155-1162
Number of pages8
JournalEnvironmental health perspectives
Volume110
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2002

Keywords

  • Combustion by-products
  • Fine particles
  • Genetic susceptibility
  • Lung pathobiology
  • Metals
  • Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins
  • Polychlorinated dibenzofurans
  • Public health

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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