Characterization of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs emitted from two woodchip boilers in Taiwan.

This study investigates the formation and removal of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in two woodchips boilers during different operating periods. Results indicate that combustion condition affects PCDD/F and dl-PCB formation within the woodchip combustion process. PCDD/F and dl-PCB concentrations during the start-up period are much higher than those measured during normal operation and shut-down periods due to unstable combustion.

Development of a multi-pathway probabilistic health risk assessment model for swimmers exposed to chloroform in indoor swimming pools.

For swimmers, exposure to chloroform, a probable carcinogen, in indoor swimming pools can be through different pathways such as ingestion, dermal absorption, inhalation during swimming, and inhalation during resting. In order to evaluate health risk results from excessive exposure to chloroform, concentrations of chloroform in pool water were first collected and analyzed. Then, a two-layer model is used, which is capable of estimating the concentrations of chloroform in the boundary layer adjacent to the water surface and the concentrations of chloroform in indoor swimming pool air.