Biomass stove emissions

Biomass stoves produce various types of emissions. Some of these are safe e.g. water and carbon dioxide, whilst others are toxic. The toxic emissions can be divided into three categories, as follows:

1) products of partial combustion, e.g. carbon monoxide, organic gaseous compounds, soot

2) products of reactions between various components of the combustion air which are facilitated by the high temperatures present in the flames, e.g. nitrogen oxides

3)  Secondary emissions, which are caused when primary emissions such as organic gaseous compounds are affected by sunlight to become photochemical smog.

Biomass stoves can make a significant contribution to overall pollutant levels, especially in cities and mountain valleys during the winter.