Characteristics of particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollution generated during kitchen cooking and health risk assessment

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that kitchen pollution is a major concern during cooking. Cooking can release harmful pollutants such as various sizes of particulate matters (PMs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that can harm the human body directly or indirectly. This study examined the harm of pollutants from cooking in different Chinese areas, including concentrations of PMs and size distribution as well as PAHs in rural and urban locations. PMs were collected during cooking, and PAHs in the particular matter were analysed. Additionally, the study conducted pollution risk assessment and economic analysis. The results showed that PMs and PAHs released during cooking in rural kitchens were higher than in urban kitchens. Specifically, PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were 5.05, 3.39 and 3.78 times higher than in rural kitchens. PAH concentration in rural kitchens was 4.79, 5.82 and 6.30 times higher than in urban kitchens, respectively. Skin contact poses the highest carcinogenic risk amongst the pathways. Females had higher exposure to carcinogens than males. Furthermore, smaller PMs have a higher adsorption capacity for PAHs and are more carcinogenic than larger particles. This study examined the harmful effects of different cooking fuels. It aimed to improve cooking environments and increase the use of clean energy.

Solar Photovoltaic Cooker with No Electronics or Battery

“…This model is similar to the one proposed by Musat [54]. For this equation to be accurate, the Biot number Bi of the thermal mass of the system must be low enough, Incropera [56], Equation (7). Considering an axisymmetric internal layout, the radial temperature gradient is considered negligible in front of the axial one.…”

“…The relation between the Biot number and the effective heat conductivity k from PTCs to water is Equation (7).…”

“…This applies pressure on the vegetal cover of the territory, very frequently causing deforestation, Bailis [4], Aberilla [5] among others, even if improved cookstoves are used, Chagunda [6]. Additionally, quotidian in-home indoor combustion generates toxic fumes, Geng [7]. They can harm the human body directly or indirectly and induce several kinds of diseases that result in high levels of premature deaths, e.g., WHO [8], Bruce [9], WHO [10].…”