| Origin and Health Impacts of Emissions of Toxic By-Products and Fine Particles from Combustion and Thermal Treatment of Hazardous Wastes and Materials Stephania A. Cormier,1 Slawo Lomnicki,2 Wayne Backes,3 and Barry Dellinger2 1Department of Biological Science, and 2Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; 3Department of Pharmacology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA Abstract
High-temperature, controlled incineration and thermal treatment of contaminated soils, sediments, and wastes at Superfund sites are often preferred methods of remediation of contaminated sites under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 and related legislation. Although these methods may be executed safely, formation of toxic combustion or reaction by-products is still a cause of concern. Emissions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) ; chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHCs) , including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans ; and toxic metals (e.g., chromium VI) have historically been the focus of combustion and health effects research. However, fine particulate matter (PM) and ultrafine PM, which have been documented to be related to cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, and cancer, have more recently become the focus of research. Fine PM and ultrafine PM are effective delivery agents for PAHs, CHCs, and toxic metals. In addition, it has recently been realized that brominated hydrocarbons (including brominated/chlorinated dioxins) , redox-active metals, and redox-active persistent free radicals are also associated with PM emissions from combustion and thermal processes. In this article, we discuss the origin of each of these classes of pollutants, the nature of their association with combustion-generated PM, and the mechanisms of their known and potential health impacts. Key words: cardiovascular health, environmental health, fine and ultrafine particulate matter, persistent free radicals, respiratory health, thermal remediation. Environ Health Perspect 114: 810-817 (2006) . doi:10.1289/ehp.8629 available via http://dx.doi.org/ [Online 26 January 2006]
Address correspondence to S.A. Cormier, Louisiana State University, Department of Biological Sciences, 202 Life Sciences Building, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA. Telephone: (225) 578-0960. Fax: (225) 578-2597. E-mail: scormier@lsu.edu Insightful comments and critical review of the manuscript were provided by D. Becnel and T. Jensen. The authors declare they have no competing financial interests. Received 4 September 2005 ; accepted 26 January 2006.
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