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Assessing the Risks of Tire Burning on Human Health

Assessing the Risks of Tire Burning on Human Health. Andrew Mahon, Neale Mahoney, Adrienne Moretti, Shane Murphy, Blake Rainville. Location. Problem. The combustion of tires could potentially release levels of fine particulates which could adversely affect human health. Background.

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Assessing the Risks of Tire Burning on Human Health

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  1. Assessing the Risks of Tire Burning on Human Health Andrew Mahon, Neale Mahoney, Adrienne Moretti, Shane Murphy, Blake Rainville

  2. Location

  3. Problem • The combustion of tires could potentially release levels of fine particulates which could adversely affect human health

  4. Background • International Paper Company hopes to utilize scrap tires as an additional fuel source • IPC plans to burn 3 tons/hour • IPC’s current permit (Title V permit) requires 2-week test period

  5. Background • Local citizens are concerned that emissions could reach toxic levels and have harmful affects • Vermont has filed suit against IPC to ensure a full environmental review is completed

  6. Goal • To ensure that, if tire burning takes place at IPC, necessary actions are taken to reduce risks to human health

  7. Objectives • To determine recognized acceptable concentrations of particulate matter in emissions • To evaluate human health risks associated with fine particulate matter emitted during tire combustion • To evaluate mechanisms that could be implemented to reach LOAEL • To make recommendations on how IPC should proceed with tire burning

  8. Burn Rubber • Tires composed of petroleum-based products • Incomplete combustion produces polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which condense from gaseous form to become ultra-fine PM • The PAH particulate matter is hydrophobic

  9. Particulate Matter • Particulate matter consists of different substances suspended in the air in the form of particles • PM size classifications: • PM10 • PM 2.5 • Ultra-fine

  10. Particulate Matter and Health Risks • PM 2.5 poses most serious known health risks • When inhaled, can become lodged deep into the lungs • Chronic exposure can cause respiratory problems, lung disease, and cardiovascular complications

  11. National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particle Pollution

  12. Thar She Blows (Revised Title V Permit, ENSR Corp., 2005)

  13. ISCST3 Modeling Results • Models show no significant human health risks from short-term exposure • Models do not take PM 2.5 or ultra fine matter into account

  14. Size Does Matter • PM is only measured by mass • Recently the EPA found importance in measuring particulate size • Particulate size most important factor in selecting scrubbers

  15. Scrubber Technology • IPC currently uses wet scrubber to reduce large PM (PM10) • Wet scrubbers do not remove PM 2.5 or smaller • PAH’s are hydrophobic, so wet scrubbers will not be effective

  16. Recommendations • More thorough modeling/testing, including ultra-fine particulate matter • Run modeling/testing for longer periods of time to determine long-term effects on human health • During two-week test, quantify fine/ultra- fine PM emitted to properly assess risks

  17. Questions??? • Nothing difficult, please.

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