Combustion experiments were carried out in different house heating sys
tems using various fuels, The emission samples and the chimney soot sa
mples were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD
/F) and polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbons (PAH), The PCDD/F-concentrati
ons in fluegases using untreated wood were in the range of 2-25 pg I-T
E/m(3). The combustion of paper, cartons, painted wood and wood with 2
-5% PVC gave PCDD/F-concentrations from 38 to 952 pg I-TE/m(3) and 380
to 2 240 ng I-TE/kg (chimney soot). The PAH-concentrations in flue ga
s were about 30 times higher using an old technology in relation to a
new one. (C)1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.