Hygienic assessment of ambient air pollution by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in emissions from autonomous heat supply sources using various types of solid fuel

Introduction. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) which have carcinogenic and mutagenic effects are priority ambient air pollutants on territories where energy sector use solid fuel.

The aim of this study was to comparatively analyze quantitative and qualitative composition of PAH in emissions from autonomous heating sources (AHS) upon use of various fossil fuels and perform hygienic assessment of ambient air pollution.

Materials and methods. An experimental study of PAH in emissions was conducted for a typical heating furnace fueled by using birch firewood, wooden pellets, brown coal and coal. Naphthalene, 2-methyl-naphthalene, anthracene, 9-metyl-anthracene, pyrene and benzo(a)pyrene were quantified by using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorometric detection. Model calculations of dispersion were accomplished for a simulated group of forty eight AHS stoves according to standardized methods. Hygienic assessment involved using average daily MPC and health risk criteria using factors of relative carcinogenic activity.

Results. The highest total PAH contents at the ignition stage were detected for coals (0.962 µg/m³ for brown coal, 2.07 µg/m³ for coal) with the most intensive formation of high-molecular PAH, pyrene and benzo(a)pyrene (in coal ignition: 1.132±0.204 and 0.897±0.188 µg/m³ respectively). The lowest total PAH contents (0.283 µg/m³) with prevailing naphthalene and 2-methyl-naphthalene were detected for use of wooden pellets. Benzo(a)pyrene concentrations were 2–18 times higher during ignition against stationary burning. Situational simulation of ambient air pollution revealed that only benzo(a)pyrene concentrations exceeded average daily MPC.

Limitations. The study was accomplished only for one type of furnace and involved limited number of repetitions.

Conclusion. PAH occur in emissions from AHS in different combinations and concentrations upon use of all kinds of fossil fuels. Regular monitoring of PAH emissions from solid fuel use is advisable. The development and effectiveness of regional air pollution reduction programs in communities with extensive solid fuel heating systems should be based on health risks assessment.

Compliance with ethical standards. This study does not require approval of a biomedical ethics committee.

Contribution:
Zaitseva N.V. – study concept and design;
May I.V. – study design, writing the text;
Kleyn S.V. – writing the text, editing;
Nurislamova T.V. – writing the text, literature data collection and analysis;
Starchikova M.О. – data collection, data analysis;
Zagorodnov S.Y. – performing calculations, data analysis;
Balashov S.Yu. – performing calculations, plotting maps.
All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of the manuscript final version.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding. The study had no sponsorship.

Received: July 7, 2026 / Revised: August 20, 2026 / Accepted: , 2026 / Published: October 20, 2026

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