Example of the air monitoring technology used to gather data at emission-watch.com
Apart from the new emphasis on recycling, the search for a solution to the increasing problem of waste-disposal, by means other than landfill, has led to greater use of high temperature combustion in kilns and municipal and other incinerators. Since matter cannot be destroyed, whatever goes into the furnaces must re-emerge, often in different forms, and the effect of some of these on human and animal health is often unknown.
Some control of emissions has hitherto been exercised by careful choice of the types of fuel and raw materials used in kilns and incinerators, but such restrictions have recently been relaxed, and the possibility exists that the high temperature combustion of a new range of raw materials and fuels may result in the formation of compounds which do not occur naturally.
Some solid residues can safely be used as clinker, but there are certain gasses, and heavy metals, which may be dangerous, whilst the formation of dioxins, even in tiny amounts, is potentially lethal. Moreover, high temperature incineration is certain to increase greatly the emission of very small particles, dangerous to human and animal health.
Emission-Watch has been set up to monitor the particulate burden of the air that is breathed by the local communities around the incinerators and kilns. Charity status for Emission-Watch has been obtained, and, apart from recording and reporting the facts for the benefit of local communities, Emission-Watch will make its results available for research into the long-term medical consequences of particles on human health.
Any community which wishes to monitor the emissions in its own locality can seek advice. Emission-Watch will be pleased to explain what is involved and the best way to raise the appropriate funding.
