PCDDs/DFs emissions from crematories in Japan

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Pollution Control
• Toxicology

Background:

• Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are persistent organic pollutants.
• Cremation processes can be a source of PCDD/PCDF emissions.
• Understanding these emissions is crucial for environmental protection and public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure PCDD/PCDF concentrations in crematory emissions.
• To investigate the relationship between crematory characteristics and emissions.
• To estimate the total national emission of PCDDs/DFs from crematories in Japan.

Main Methods:

• Emission gas sampling from 10 crematories.
• Analysis of PCDD and PCDF concentrations using established methods.
• Correlation analysis between emission levels and crematory operational factors.

Main Results:

• PCDD/PCDF concentrations ranged from 2.2-290 ng/N m3 (TEQ: 0.0099-6.5 ng TEQ/N m3).
• PCDF concentrations were generally higher than PCDD concentrations.
• Emissions were highest in the initial 20 minutes of cremation and influenced by secondary combustion chambers and dust collectors.
• Total estimated annual emission for Japan was 8.9 g TEQ/yr.

Conclusions:

• Crematory design, including secondary combustion chambers and dust collectors, significantly impacts PCDD/PCDF emissions.
• Operational factors, particularly the early stages of cremation, are critical for emission control.
• National emissions from crematories represent a notable source requiring management strategies.