[Methods for purifying emissions in the boilers of thermoelectric plants from benz(a)pyrene]

The researchers of the Republican Cancer Research Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan have been monitoring the levels of the carcinogenic agent benz(a)pyrene (B(a)P) in the emissions by thermoelectric plants. Measuring has indicated that the effluent levels of B(a)P are related to the type of fuel put in the boilers and to the parameters of their use. The burning of gas in the furnaces results in air emissions of B(a)P at concentrations of as high as 50 ng/m3 and that of coal does as high as 300 ng/m3. Addition of fuel oil to coal or gas burning elevates the levels of B(a)P up to 450 and 180 ng/m3, respectively. Greater oxygen feed in the furnaces of boilers and their use at the maximum capacities (loads) cause a decrease in B(a)P in the waste gases. Recommendations on the optimum regimens of exploitation factors are given to lower environmental B(a)P levels, which must in turn reduce the incidence of cancer diseases.