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Maureen D. Avakian,¹ Barry Dellinger,² Heidelore Fiedler,³ Brian Gullet,⁴ Catherine Koshland,⁵ Stellan Marklund,⁶ Günter Oberdörster,⁷ Stephen Safe,⁸ Adel Sarofim,⁹ Kirk R. Smith,¹⁰ David Schwartz,¹¹ and William A. Suk¹²

¹MDB, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA; ²Department of Chemistry and Biodynamics Institute, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Lousiana, USA; ³United Nations Environment Program Chemicals, Châtelaine, Switzerland; ⁴U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA; ⁵School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA; ⁶Environmental Chemistry, University of Umeå, Umeå, Sweden; ⁷Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA; ⁸Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA; ⁹Department of Chemical and Fuels Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; ¹⁰Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA; ¹¹Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA; ¹²National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA

Abstract

Incomplete combustion processes can emit organic pollutants, metals, and fine particles. Combustion by-products represent global human and environmental health challenges that are relevant not only in heavily industrialized nations, but also in developing nations where up to 90% of rural households rely on unprocessed biomass fuels for cooking, warmth, and light. These issues were addressed at the Seventh International Congress on Combustion By-Products, which convened 4-6 June 2001 in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. This congress included a diverse group of multidisciplinary researchers and practitioners who discussed recent developments and future goals in the control of combustion by-products and their effects of exposure on human and ecologic health. Participants recommended that interdisciplinary, coordinated research efforts should be focused to capitalize on the important potential synergisms between efforts to reduce the adverse human health effects linked to exposures to combustion by-products and broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy through efficiency. In this article we summarize the principal findings and recommendations for research focus and direction. Key words: combustion by-products, fine particles, genetic susceptibility, lung pathobiology, metals, polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, public health. Environ Health Perspect 110:1155-1162 (2002) . [Online 26 September 2002]

http://ehpnet1.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2002/110p1155-1162avakian/ abstract.html

Address correspondence to W.A. Suk, Division of Extramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, PO Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA. Telephone: (919) 541-0797. Fax: (919) 541-2843. E-mail: suk@niehs.nih.gov

The steering committee and participants of the Seventh International Congress on Combustion By-Products dedicate the congress and this article to their colleague, Glen R. Cass, who died 30 July 2001. We salute his integrity, his contribution to the field of atmospheric sciences, and his professional achievements.

The Seventh International Congress on Combustion By-Products was co-sponsored by the NIEHS/U.S. EPA Superfund Basic Research Program, the National Science Foundation, Coalition for Responsible Waste Incineration, and Sandia National Laboratory.

Received 5 November 2001 ; accepted 15 April 2002.