Emissions and health effects of wood biomass combustion

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of what is known and not known about emissions from wood combustion, with a particular focus on the nonresidential scale. In addition, it reviews the state of the evidence on health effects associated with of exposure to emissions from wood combustion, information that is relevant to decisions about wood biomass applications at any scale. Finally, the chapter describes policy approaches available for protecting public health from pollution and concludes with solutions: recommendations for changes in technologies, policy and programs to better protect public health. While the discussion focuses on the Northeast region of the USA, it has broader implications, providing a framework for incorporating health in renewable energy decision-making across the country.