Characterization of emissions from kerosene heaters in an unvented tent

Abstract

A potential contribution to the Gulf War Syndrome is presented in this paper. The human exposure to aerosols from unvented heaters in tents was simulated so that the contribution of this exposure to the Gulf War Syndrome can be estimated. Exposures to particulate matter and combustion gases (CO, NO, and SO2) were estimated with 3 types of portable kerosene heaters and 3 fuels. The airborne concentration was also monitored continuously with a real-time monitor. The aerodynamic particle size distribution measured by a cascade impactor indicated a uni- or bi-modal size distribution with the major peak between 0.1-1μm. The air exchange rate ranged from 1-3.5 hr-1 when the tent doors were open and closed. The air exchange rate and the type of fuel and heater were very important factors in determining the pollutant concentrations inside the tent. The CO and particulate concentrations reached the maximum soon after the combustion started; however, NO and SO2 concentrations rose slowly. The particle concentration and distribution results were used in the NCRP model to calculate the particle generation rate from heaters and the dose deposited in human lungs. The results showed that the particles deposited in the lung ranged from 0.31 to 0.97 mg for a 10 h (8 h for sleeping and 2 h for rest) stay in the tent with various heaters and fuels.