Garbage Burning in South Asia: How Important Is It to Regional Air Quality?

Increasing air pollution in South Asia has serious consequences for air quality and human/ecosystem health within the region. South Asia, including India and Nepal, suffers from severe air pollution, including high concentrations of aerosols, as well as gaseous pollutants. One of the often-neglected sources contributing to the regional air pollution is garbage burning.

Household air pollution and personal exposure from burning firewood and yak dung in summer in the eastern Tibetan Plateau.

This study assessed the sources, magnitudes, and chemical compositions of household air pollution (HAP) and personal exposure in traditional Tibetan households. We measured 24-h personal exposures to PM and kitchen area black carbon (BC) concentrations, using MicroPEMs and microAeths, respectively. Particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and inorganic element concentrations were quantified via post analyses of a subset of MicroPEM sample filters.