Emission Characteristics and Concentrations of Gaseous Pollutants in Environmental Moxa Smoke

Abstract

The burning of moxa floss in moxibustion constitutes a major anthropogenic source of many gaseous pollutants, which has been associated with many different negative environmental health effects. The aim of the present study is to systemically study the concentration of gaseous pollutants emitted from different types of moxa floss combustion and present key information in abbreviated tabular form to assist in the assessment of air quality in moxibustion clinics and contribute to the safety evaluation of moxibustion. Sampling was divided into pre-combustion, combustion and postcombustion phases. The pollutants determined were carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) produced by burning three types of moxa floss samples. The average post-combustion concentrations for CO, CO 2 and NO 2 in moxibustion clinics were 9.333 ppm, 0.138% and 10.556 μg m -3 , respectively. SO 2 was below detectable limit. NO 2 concentration decreased during post-combustion, possibly as a result of reactions from moxa floss combustion. The levels of target gaseous pollutants from 4 g of moxa floss combustion were not produced in quantities that exceeded present international air quality standards and occupational exposure limits. Data from our study is important for the recognition and control of occupational and non-occupational gaseous exposure and for the assessment of air quality in moxibustion clinics by professional authorities.

Lung Function Decline after 24 Weeks of Moxa Smoke Exposure in Rats

“…Huang Jian [37, 38] contrasted PM2.5 concentration produced by three different ratios of moxa in simulated moxibustion clinics and found that the oxidative DNA damage induced by individual PM2.5 following moxibustion was lower than that reported in other environments. Similar studies [39, 40] suggested that PM10 and gaseous pollutants might not be as injurious to human health as generally assumed.…”

Study of Thermal Behavior of Moxa Floss Using Thermogravimetric and Pyrolysis-GC/MS Analyses

“…With increasing global healthcare burdens such as escalating healthcare costs and persistent rise in chronic noncommunicable diseases, the usage of moxibustion has become more prevalent in recent years [ 2 ]. However, the safety of moxibustion has come under increased scrutiny, especially with reports related to adverse reactions associated with moxibustion [ 3 ], as well as reports of chemical components and pollutants in moxa smoke that are detrimental to human health, including inhalable particulate matter, formaldehyde, naphthalene, benzene, and methylbenzene [ 4 , 5 ].…”

Monitoring SO2emission trends and residents’ perceived health risks from PGM smelting at Selous Metallurgical Complex in Zimbabwe

“…Recent analyses using epidemiological data has provided consistent evidence of damaging effects of sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) to human health [ 1 – 4 ]. Results of such studies have shown that exposure to SO 2 account for increases in cardiopulmonary hospital admissions and mortality caused by reductions in lung function, asthma, emphysema and bronchitis [ 1 , 3 , 5 ]. There is also mounting evidence associating SO 2 exposure with ischemic heart disease, heart failure and stroke [ 5 – 7 ], and declining semen quality in males leading to infertility [ 4 ].…”

“…Results of such studies have shown that exposure to SO 2 account for increases in cardiopulmonary hospital admissions and mortality caused by reductions in lung function, asthma, emphysema and bronchitis [ 1 , 3 , 5 ]. There is also mounting evidence associating SO 2 exposure with ischemic heart disease, heart failure and stroke [ 5 – 7 ], and declining semen quality in males leading to infertility [ 4 ]. SO 2 toxicological data collected worldwide suggest that human fatalities can arise from short term exposure levels in excess of 1000 μg/m 3 [ 8 ].…”

“…The bulk of the population vulnerable to SO 2 emissions in developing countries live in the vicinity of PGM smelting facilities, and has limited information about its rights and capacity to defend itself or influence policy decisions [ 23 ]. Epidemiological evidence elsewhere shows adverse health effects of air pollution, including increases in morbidity and mortality from respiratory and cardiovascular causes [ 3 , 5 , 23 ]. Several of these studies have shown that there is a link between living near industrial complexes and occurrence of adverse health outcomes [ 24 – 26 ].…”