Environmental and health aspects of pulverized fuel ash

From the late nineties on extensive research has been performed on environmental and health aspects of coal- and biomass fired electricity production. The results of all these studies give a good overview of the knowledge available on the nature, toxicity and significance for the human and natural environment of pulverized fly ash. Besides introductory information on fuels used for power generation also the aspects of pulverized fly ash production in coal-and biomass fired power plants and the various mechanisms of exposure. The health implications concern two distinct groups of people: workers and those living near coal-fired power plants. The first group includes both power plant personnel and people involved in the transportation and processing of pulverized coal fly ash. The summarizing reports have been reviewed by independent experts, each known authorities in their field of expertise.

Below an overview is given of aspects studied:

• Occupational health and safety aspects of pulverized fuel ash: general
• Fugitive emissions of coal and pulverized coal fly ash
• Stack emissions from a 600 MWe coal-fired unit
• Occupational health aspects of coal and biomass
• Exposure to quartz in coal and in fly ash
• Chromium(VI)
• Radioactive aspects
• Dioxins
• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and other organic components
• Leaching of ashes
• Toxicity.

External reviewers:
Dr.Ir. H. Kromhout, senior lecturer at the University of Utrecht
Dr P. Berghmans, scientist at VITO in Belgium
Ir. M.G. Lunter staff member at RIZA (Inland Water Management and Waste Water Treatment)
Prof.Dr.Ir. D.J.J. Heederik, professor at the University of Utrecht
Mrs. Ir. E.I.M. Tjoe Nij, research assistant at the University of Utrecht
Prof.Dr. S.E. Wendelaar Bonga, University of Nijmegen
Dr. A.S. Keverling Buisman, scientist at ECN (Dutch Energy Foundation)
Dr. K. Olie, senior lecturer at the University of Amsterdam
Dr. P. de Voogt, senior lecturer at the University of Amsterdam