View source for E. Biomass Combustion and Indoor Air Quality

Biomass combustion presents one of the most significant challenges for IAQ particularly concerning residential heating, as revealed by recent data<sup><small>(83)</small></sup>. In 2020, nearly half of total anthropogenic PM2.5 emissions in the European Union originated from biomass combustion for residential heating, with 83% of domestic PM2.5 emissions attributed to biomass use. This poses substantial challenges for ambient air quality directives and the zero pollution action plan. While projections indicate a decrease in residential biomass use, with a 19% reduction by 2030 and a further 22% decline by 2050, the residential sector will still partially depend on biomass for energy needs<sup><small>(84)</small></sup>.

Key technologies for biomass combustion encompass residential boilers, stoves, and fireplaces, which are major sources of both indoor and outdoor particulate matter (PM)<sup><small>(85)</small></sup>. These emissions are influenced by factors such as fuel properties, technology, and user behaviour. Although the decline in residential biomass use has led to reduced fine particle emissions, IAQ remains a concern due to the persistent use of these technologies. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly susceptible to the health effects of indoor and outdoor air pollution, especially in regions where energy poverty drives the combustion of low-quality solid fuels<sup><small>(86)</small></sup>. Such practices expose low-income populations to PM and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) indoors and outdoors, compounding health risks for already disadvantaged individuals<sup><small>(87)</small></sup>.


=== ''' References ''' ===

(83) The United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Introduction to Indoor Air Quality,” The United States Environmental Protection Agency, 16 May 2023. Available online:  https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality#:~:text=Indoor%20Air%20Quality%20(IAQ)%20refers,and%20comfort%20of%20building%20occupants. 

(84) The United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Introduction to Indoor Air Quality,” The United States Environmental Protection Agency, 16 May 2023. Available online:  https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality#:~:text=Indoor%20Air%20Quality%20(IAQ)%20refers,and%20comfort%20of%20building%20occupants. 

(85) The United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Introduction to Indoor Air Quality,” The United States Environmental Protection Agency, 16 May 2023. Available online:  https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality#:~:text=Indoor%20Air%20Quality%20(IAQ)%20refers,and%20comfort%20of%20building%20occupants 

(86) The European Environment Agency, “Air Quality in Europe 2019 Report,” Publications Office of the European Union, 2019. Available online: https://www.miteco.gob.es/content/dam/miteco/es/calidad-y-evaluacion-ambiental/temas/atmosfera-y-calidad-del-aire/air-quality-in-europe_2019_tcm30-187944.pdf 

(87) The European Environment Agency, “Air Quality in Europe 2019 Report,” Publications Office of the European Union, 2019. Available online: https://www.miteco.gob.es/content/dam/miteco/es/calidad-y-evaluacion-ambiental/temas/atmosfera-y-calidad-del-aire/air-quality-in-europe_2019_tcm30-187944.pdf



[[Category: IAQ Policy Landscape]]