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Potential Occupational Exposures and Health Risks Associated with Biomass-Based Power Generation

Author

Listed:
  • Annette C. Rohr

    (Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA)

  • Sharan L. Campleman

    (American College of Medical Toxicology, Phoenix, AZ 85028, USA)

  • Christopher M. Long

    (Gradient, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA)

  • Michael K. Peterson

    (Gradient, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA)

  • Susan Weatherstone

    (ON Technologies (Ratcliffe) Ltd., Ratcliffe on Soar, Nottinghamshire, NG11 0EE, UK)

  • Will Quick

    (ON Technologies (Ratcliffe) Ltd., Ratcliffe on Soar, Nottinghamshire, NG11 0EE, UK)

  • Ari Lewis

    (Gradient, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA)

Abstract

Biomass is increasingly being used for power generation; however, assessment of potential occupational health and safety (OH&S) concerns related to usage of biomass fuels in combustion-based generation remains limited. We reviewed the available literature on known and potential OH&S issues associated with biomass-based fuel usage for electricity generation at the utility scale. We considered three potential exposure scenarios—pre-combustion exposure to material associated with the fuel, exposure to combustion products, and post-combustion exposure to ash and residues. Testing of dust, fungal and bacterial levels at two power stations was also undertaken. Results indicated that dust concentrations within biomass plants can be extremely variable, with peak levels in some areas exceeding occupational exposure limits for wood dust and general inhalable dust. Fungal spore types, identified as common environmental species, were higher than in outdoor air. Our review suggests that pre-combustion risks, including bioaerosols and biogenic organics, should be considered further. Combustion and post-combustion risks appear similar to current fossil-based combustion. In light of limited available information, additional studies at power plants utilizing a variety of technologies and biomass fuels are recommended.

Suggested Citation

  • Annette C. Rohr & Sharan L. Campleman & Christopher M. Long & Michael K. Peterson & Susan Weatherstone & Will Quick & Ari Lewis, 2015. "Potential Occupational Exposures and Health Risks Associated with Biomass-Based Power Generation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-64, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:12:y:2015:i:7:p:8542-8605:d:52996
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Narayan Sastry, 2002. "Forest fires, air pollution, and mortality in Southeast Asia," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 39(1), pages 1-23, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yan Li & Hua Yu & Siqian Zheng & Yang Miao & Shi Yin & Peng Li & Ying Bian, 2016. "Direct Quantification of Rare Earth Elements Concentrations in Urine of Workers Manufacturing Cerium, Lanthanum Oxide Ultrafine and Nanoparticles by a Developed and Validated ICP-MS," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-10, March.
    2. Ivana Tureková & Eva Mračková & Iveta Marková, 2019. "Determination of Waste Industrial Dust Safety Characteristics," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-11, June.
    3. Justyna Szulc & Anna Otlewska & Małgorzata Okrasa & Katarzyna Majchrzycka & Michael Sulyok & Beata Gutarowska, 2017. "Microbiological Contamination at Workplaces in a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Station Processing Plant Biomass," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-18, January.
    4. Alice Freiberg & Julia Scharfe & Vanise C. Murta & Andreas Seidler, 2018. "The Use of Biomass for Electricity Generation: A Scoping Review of Health Effects on Humans in Residential and Occupational Settings," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-27, February.

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