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| Biomass combustion presents one of the most significant challenges for IAQ particularly concerning residential heating, as revealed by recent data(83). 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(84).
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| Key technologies for biomass combustion encompass residential boilers, stoves, and fireplaces, which are major sources of both indoor and outdoor particulate matter (PM)(85). 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(86). Such practices expose low-income populations to PM and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) indoors and outdoors, compounding health risks for already disadvantaged individuals(87).
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| === ''' References ''' ===
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| (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.
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| (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.
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| (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
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| (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
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| (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
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| [[Category: IAQ Policy Landscape]]
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