Influence of Thermal Decomposition of Wood and Wood-Based Materials on the State of the Atmospheric Air. Emissions of Toxic Compounds and Greenhouse Gases

Przemysław Rybiński,Witold Żukowski,Mirosław Szwed,Dariusz Bradło,Magdalena Śliwka-Kaszyńska,Bartłomiej Syrek,Anna Marzec

doi:10.3390/en14113247

Abstract

This paper presents the energy characteristics of wood and wood-based materials in the form of commercially available pellets, furniture board (MDF) and OSB. Toxicometric indices were determined for gaseous destructs arising from thermal decomposition and combustion of the materials studied. The paper proves that combustion conditions are crucial in terms of toxic destructive emissions. It has been shown that the combustion of wood-based materials under controlled conditions can lead to equally low emissions of toxic wastes as the combustion of traditional wood materials. The paper also presents the index of greenhouse gas emission, the so-called CO2 equivalent, for the examined wood and wood-based materials.

Highlights

The problem of air pollution, commonly called “smog”, in the face of enormous health, social and economic costs has become an absolute priority
Numerous studies conducted in many parts of the world indicate that there is a link between exposure to air pollution and the occurrence of various adverse health effects
In addition to the size of the dust particles, the effects of dust pollution on human health may depend on its chemical composition

Summary

Introduction

The problem of air pollution, commonly called “smog”, in the face of enormous health, social and economic costs has become an absolute priority. There are many reasons for the poor or very poor quality of air in cities, but one of the most important reasons for the condition of air in Poland, especially in large urban agglomerations, is undoubtedly the combustion of high-energy municipal waste in domestic furnaces, which includes glued boards (OSB), furniture boards, varnished furniture, etc Incineration of such waste is a source of emission of many harmful substances, including highly toxic compounds such as hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen sulfide and sulfur oxides as well as carcinogenic substances such as aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated biphenyls and PCDD/F compounds [25,26].

Test Methodology Materials

Methodology

Findings

Flammability of Tested Wood and Wood-Based Materials