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Combustion

Definition

Combustion is also known as the process of burning fuels to create energy. Two thirds of US households rely on indoor residential combustion for common energy needs in the home.¹ Fuels that are burned in homes include natural gas, wood, charcoal, kerosene, tobacco and more. Some common uses for burning these fuels in the home are to provide heat for our air and water, cook our food and dry our clothes.

Sources

Gas ranges and ovens, gas water heaters, gas clothes dryers, space heaters, furnaces, wood or coal-burning stoves, fireplaces, smoking and more.²

Chemicals Emitted

The major indoor combustion pollutants are carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), fine and ultrafine particles (PMs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde.²

Health Impacts

Combustion pollutants can cause many immediate and irritating symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation. Long-term exposures may result in lung and heart disease, cancers, and other serious health impacts.³ Exposure to high concentrations of carbon monoxide may cause headaches, fatigue, nausea, brain and heart damage and even death.

Steps for Prevention and Remediation ¹ ² ³
  • Do not allowing smoking in the home.
  • Each floor of the home should have a smoke and CO2 detector. Test detectors monthly and replace batteries as needed.
  • Do not keep cars idling in the garage attached to the home. 
  • All gas-powered appliances should be vented to the outside of the home: stoves/ovens, dryers, heaters.
  • Avoid using kerosene heaters and charcoal grills inside.
  • Fire officials recommend getting your wood-burning appliance, chimney, and vent professionally inspected each year to keep them in safe and working order.
  • If buying new appliances, consider alternative sources of energy such as electrical appliances. If gas appliances are your only option, choose “sealed combustion” or “direct vent” gas appliance.
  • Regularly service your furnace and air conditioner, as well as all gas-powered appliances, according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
  • Check the air filters on your heating and/or air conditioning system regularly and replace as needed.  They should be checked more frequently during increased seasons of use (every 1-3 months).
Additional Resources

CDC Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Information: https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html

US EPA. What are Combustion Products? https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-are-combustion-products. 

California Air Resources Board Combustion Pollutants in Home Guideline: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/combustion-pollutants-your-home-guidelines

California Air Resources Board. Combustion Pollutants and Indoor Air Quality: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/combustion-pollutants-indoor-air-quality

Reference List

1. Belova A, Dagli R, Economu N, et al. Literature Review on the Impacts of Residential Combustion.https://www.lung.org/getmedia/2786f983-d971-43ad-962b-8370c950cbd6/ICF_Impacts-of-Residential-Combustion_FINAL_071022.pdf. Published 2022. Accessed July 1, 2024.

2. US EPA. What are Combustion Products? Available at: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-are-combustion-products. Accessed July 1, 2024.

3. California Air Resources Board. Combustion Pollutants & Indoor Air Quality. Available at: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/combustion-pollutants-indoor-air-quality. Accessed July 2, 2024.

Current Page: Combustion

Combustion, the process of burning fuels for energy, is used in two-thirds of US households for heating, cooking, and drying, emitting pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, which can cause both immediate irritation and long-term health issues such as lung disease and cancer.


Biological Pollutants

Biological pollutants, including mold, pests, and animal dander, originate from sources like people, pets, and plants, and can cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and infectious illnesses in the home.


Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), emitted from household items like cleaners, paints, and furnishings, are often found in higher concentrations indoors and can cause immediate health issues like irritation and headaches, as well as long-term damage to the kidney, liver, and central nervous system.


Lead

Lead is a toxic heavy metal found in household paint, dust, soil, and water, particularly in homes built before 1978. Exposure can cause acute effects like seizures and anemia, and chronic effects such as cognitive impairments, reproductive complications and irreversible nervous system damage, especially in children.


Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can enter homes through cracks in walls and foundations, leading to dangerous indoor levels. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and the leading cause among non-smokers, necessitating testing and remediation in high-risk areas.


Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber used for its strength and heat resistance in building materials and products. When disturbed, asbestos fibers can be released into the air, leading to serious lung diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.


Pesticides

Pesticides are toxic chemicals used in various forms like sprays and powders, and are found in 75% of U.S. households. These chemicals, including insecticides and rodenticides, can pose health risks, so it is crucial to assess specific products and their associated hazards.


Flame Retardants

Flame retardants are chemicals used to slow or prevent the spread of fire in various household products. These substances, which can persist in the environment and accumulate in the body, may cause health issues such as endocrine disruption, cognitive impairments, respiratory problems, and increased cancer risk.


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