TY - JOUR

T1 - The health impacts of waste-to-energy emissions

T2 - a systematic review of the literature

AU - Cole-Hunter, Tom

AU - Johnston, Fay H.

AU - Marks, Guy B.

AU - Morawska, Lidia

AU - Morgan, Geoffrey G.

AU - Overs, Marge

AU - Porta-Cubas, Ana

AU - Cowie, Christine T.

PY - 2020

Y1 - 2020

N2 - Waste-to-energy (WtE) processes, or the combustion of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for energy generation, has the potential to reduce landfill volume while providing a renewable energy source. We aimed to systematically review and summarise current evidence on the potential health effects (benefits and risks) of exposure to WtE/RDF-related combustion emissions.We searched PubMed and Google Scholar using terms related to health and WtE/RDF combustion emissions, following PRISMA guidelines. Two authors independently screened titles, abstracts and then full-texts of original, peer-reviewed research articles published until 20th March 2020, plus their relevant references. Overall quality of included epidemiological studies were rated using an amended Navigation framework.We found 19 articles from 269 search results that met our inclusion criteria, including two epidemiological studies, five environmental monitoring studies, seven health impact or risk assessments (HIA/HRA), and five life-cycle assessments. We found a dearth of health studies related to the impacts of exposure to WtE emissions. The limited evidence suggests that well-designed and operated WtE facilities using sorted feedstock (RDF) are critical to reduce potential adverse health (cancer and non-cancer) impacts, due to lower hazardous combustion-related emissions, compared to landfill or unsorted incineration. Poorly fed WtE facilities may emit concentrated toxins with serious potential health risks, such as dioxins/furans and heavy metals; these toxins may remain problematic in bottom ash as a combustion by-product. Most modelling studies estimate that electricity (per unit) generated from WtE generally emits less health-relevant air pollutants (also less greenhouse gases) than from combustion of fossil fuels (e.g. coal). Some modelled estimates vary due to model sensitivity for type of waste processed, model inputs used, and facility operational conditions.We conclude that rigorous assessment (e.g. HRA including sensitivity analyses) of WtE facility/technological characteristics and refuse type used is necessary when planning/proposing facilities to protect human health as the technology is adopted worldwide.

AB - Waste-to-energy (WtE) processes, or the combustion of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for energy generation, has the potential to reduce landfill volume while providing a renewable energy source. We aimed to systematically review and summarise current evidence on the potential health effects (benefits and risks) of exposure to WtE/RDF-related combustion emissions.We searched PubMed and Google Scholar using terms related to health and WtE/RDF combustion emissions, following PRISMA guidelines. Two authors independently screened titles, abstracts and then full-texts of original, peer-reviewed research articles published until 20th March 2020, plus their relevant references. Overall quality of included epidemiological studies were rated using an amended Navigation framework.We found 19 articles from 269 search results that met our inclusion criteria, including two epidemiological studies, five environmental monitoring studies, seven health impact or risk assessments (HIA/HRA), and five life-cycle assessments. We found a dearth of health studies related to the impacts of exposure to WtE emissions. The limited evidence suggests that well-designed and operated WtE facilities using sorted feedstock (RDF) are critical to reduce potential adverse health (cancer and non-cancer) impacts, due to lower hazardous combustion-related emissions, compared to landfill or unsorted incineration. Poorly fed WtE facilities may emit concentrated toxins with serious potential health risks, such as dioxins/furans and heavy metals; these toxins may remain problematic in bottom ash as a combustion by-product. Most modelling studies estimate that electricity (per unit) generated from WtE generally emits less health-relevant air pollutants (also less greenhouse gases) than from combustion of fossil fuels (e.g. coal). Some modelled estimates vary due to model sensitivity for type of waste processed, model inputs used, and facility operational conditions.We conclude that rigorous assessment (e.g. HRA including sensitivity analyses) of WtE facility/technological characteristics and refuse type used is necessary when planning/proposing facilities to protect human health as the technology is adopted worldwide.

KW - air pollution

KW - energy

KW - health

KW - incineration

KW - waste

KW - waste-to-energy

KW - SOLID-WASTE

KW - RISK-ASSESSMENT

KW - TREATMENT FACILITY

KW - DURHAM REGION

KW - CANADA. PART

KW - CEMENT KILNS

KW - INCINERATION

KW - LANDFILL

KW - ONTARIO

KW - PLANT

U2 - 10.1088/1748-9326/abae9f

DO - 10.1088/1748-9326/abae9f

M3 - Review

VL - 15

JO - Environmental Research Letters

JF - Environmental Research Letters

SN - 1748-9326

IS - 12

M1 - 123006

ER -