Methodology and Preliminary Results for the Isomer-Specific Determination of TCDDs and Higher Chlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins in Chimney Particulates from Wood-Fueled Domestic Furnaces Located In Eastern, Central, and Western Regions of the United States

Abstract

The Dow Chemical Company has recently conducted a survey of domestic wood-fueled furnaces located in three different regions of the US for chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (CDD) emissions. This study was undertaken to determine if CDDs are produced in significant quantities during the common combustion of a naturally occurring fuel. Particulate matter was collected from the chimneys of domestic wood furnaces that were rurally located and were fueled with natural wood obtained from areas where contamination from pesticides and herbicides was expected to be minimal. The development and application of appropriate analytical methodology have provided preliminary evidence that significant concentrations of CDDs are produced under these circumstances.