The emission of dioxins is perceived widely as a major environmental impact of combustion processes. This paper will report the results of an extensive study of published data on a) the rate of formation of dioxins from all U.S. sources; b) the pre-MACT and post-MACT performance of individual Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plants in the U.S. and how post-MACT emissions compare with the 1998 EU standard (0.1 ng/dscm); c) how the contribution of WTEs has changed with time; and d) the measured impacts of WTE dioxin emissions on soil/plant concentrations and on public health. The study has shown that since 1987 the U.S. dioxin emissions have decreased by a factor of four and by now WTEs are a miniscule source. Also, that even at the earlier high emission levels, the dioxin levels in soil samples close to WTE facilities did not exhibit an increase over regional background concentrations. Finally, the paper contrasts public perceptions of the dioxin threat with scientific studies of observed effects on the environment and on public health.
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11th North American Waste-to-Energy Conference
April 28–30, 2003
Tampa, Florida, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Solid Waste Processing Division
ISBN:
0-7918-3665-7
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Substance and Perceptions of Environmental Impacts of Dioxin Emissions: An Interim Report
N. J. Themelis,
N. J. Themelis
Columbia University, New York, NY
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P. Deriziotis
P. Deriziotis
Columbia University, New York, NY
Search for other works by this author on:
N. J. Themelis
Columbia University, New York, NY
P. Deriziotis
Columbia University, New York, NY
Paper No:
NAWTEC11-1690, pp. 225-230; 6 pages
Published Online:
January 5, 2009
Citation
Themelis, NJ, & Deriziotis, P. "Substance and Perceptions of Environmental Impacts of Dioxin Emissions: An Interim Report." Proceedings of the 11th North American Waste-to-Energy Conference. 11th Annual North American Waste-to-Energy Conference. Tampa, Florida, USA. April 28–30, 2003. pp. 225-230. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/NAWTEC11-1690
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