Project: Clean Biomass Combustion in Residential Heating: Particulate Measurements, Sampling and physicochemical and Toxicological Characterization.
The use of solid biofuels for heating is expected to increase in the EU as a means to reduce the emissions of greenhouses gases to the atmosphere. However, the combustion of solid biofuels in the residential sector is a significant emission source of fine particles that have significant negative health effects. Therefore, there is a need to harmonise the regulations on emissions from small-scale boilers and stoves. The aim of this project was to determine feasible methods for particulate emission measurements, sampling and physicochemical characterisation, taking into account not only the combustion process and particulate sampling, but also the physicochemical characterisation of particulate emissions and the evaluation of emission-related health risks. The following measures for the reduction of particulate emissions from smallscale biomass combustion were proposed: i) financial support for the substitution of old combustion devices, ii) provision of consumer training to ensure appropriate handling of boilers and stoves, iii) support of research on low particulate emission combustion technologies and iv) support of research on cleaning technologies. A best practise guideline for particle measurement was worked out. Common requirements for toxicological studies – aerosol exposure as well as particulate collection methods – were given. Toxicological studies connected to chemical composition of particles can be used to identify incorrect handling of devices.
| Acronym | BIOMASS-PM |
| Duration | 01/01/2007 - 31/03/2008 |
| Website | visit project website |
| Network | BIOENERGY FP6 |
| Call | Pilot Joint Call 2006 |