Emissions of PCDD/F from uncontrolled, domestic waste burning

Emissions of polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) result from inefficiencies of combustion processes, most typically waste combusti on. Uncontrolled combustion, such as occurs during so-called "backyard burn ing" of domestic waste; may therefore produce optimal conditions for format ion and emission of PCDD/F. However, few assessments of PCDD/F emissions ar e available from these sources. This work describes the first known compreh ensive assessment of PCDD/F emissions from uncontrolled, domestic waste bur ning. Emissions were copious, but highly variable, ranging over several ord ers of magnitude. The potential for emissions appears to be related primari ly to combustion parameters and concentrations of various gas-phase species , the latter which may be affected by changes in waste composition, waste o rientation, and/or combustion conditions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved.