Does Use of Biodiesel as an Alternative to Petroleum Diesel Reduce Risk for Worker Health and the Environment? Evaluation of Diesel Versus Biodiesel Exhaust Exposures for Employees at a Rural Recycling Center| Research Project Database | NCER | ORD

Does Use of Biodiesel as an Alternative to Petroleum Diesel Reduce Risk for Worker Health and the Environment? Evaluation of Diesel Versus Biodiesel Exhaust Exposures for Employees at a Rural Recycling Center

EPA Grant Number: F5D30789
Title: Does Use of Biodiesel as an Alternative to Petroleum Diesel Reduce Risk for Worker Health and the Environment? Evaluation of Diesel Versus Biodiesel Exhaust Exposures for Employees at a Rural Recycling Center
Investigators: Velazquez, Nora Traviss
Institution: Antioch New England Graduate School - NH
EPA Project Officer: Willett, Stephanie H.
Project Period: May 1, 2005 through December 1, 2007
Project Amount: $111,172
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (2005)
Research Category: Academic Fellowships

Description:

Objective:

Many organizations interested in a renewable, "green" energy source have switched from petroleum diesel to biodiesel blends for transportation and heavy equipment use. While there is a growing body of evidence on the negative health impacts of petroleum diesel exhaust, there has been little research examining the effect switching to biodiesel may have on worker health and the environment. This research will evaluate biodiesel's potential as a risk reduction strategy for both worker health and the environment. The project will include a quantitative estimation of worker exposure to petroleum diesel and biodiesel exhaust in a 'real world' occupational setting that utilizes nonroad heavy-duty equipment.

The objective of this research is to use a novel combination of standard industrial hygiene and environmental air monitoring methods to estimate diesel and biodiesel exhaust exposures. I will test the hypothesis that biodiesel use reduces worker exposure and local area concentrations of specific hazardous air pollutants when compared to petroleum diesel.

Approach:

The approach will include monitoring of both worker exposure and local air quality during typical work activities at a rural recycling center. I will compare concentrations of hazardous air pollutants measured during equipment operation using petroleum diesel and B20 (a 20% biodiesel/petroleum diesel blend). Work activities will be documented, meteorological conditions will be recorded, and vehicle traffic counts will be kept to collect information on potential sources of sample variability. The hazardous air pollutants that will be measured include PM _2.5 (particulate matter ≤ 2.5 Μm in diameter), EC/OC (elemental carbon/organic carbon) via NIOSH method 5040, carbonyl groups (including acetaldehyde and formaldehyde) via EPA Method TO-11A, and volatile organic carbons via EPA method TO-15. This quantitative evidence will be useful to help estimate potential health impacts to exposed populations (such as workers and local residents) from similar nonroad equipment operations.

Expected Results:

Pilot work conducted to date indicates biodiesel use results in a reduction of PM_2.5, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde levels. However, results for air toxics of concern (such as benzene and 1, 3- butadiene) were inconclusive and point to the need for more research. Further data must be collected via a more comprehensive study to determine if these trends continue and to determine if any of these reductions are statistically significant.

Supplemental Keywords:

biodiesel, diesel exhaust, nonroad, exposure, particulate matter, air toxics, worker health, public health, risk reduction, , ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, TREATMENT/CONTROL, Sustainable Industry/Business, Scientific Discipline, Health, RFA, POLLUTION PREVENTION, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Environment, Risk Assessment, Risk Assessments, waste reduction, Technology, Health Risk Assessment, Energy, Chemicals Management, Environmental Engineering, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Environmental Chemistry, exposure assessment, emissions measurement, energy conservation, diesel exhaust, green chemistry, biodiesel fuel, biotechnology, human health risk, waste minimization, alternative to petroleum diesel fuel, alternative energy source, renewable energy, alternative fuel, biodiesel exposure, energy efficiency, emission controls, waste to fuel conversion, environmentally benign alternative, renewable fuel production

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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Does Use of Biodiesel as an Alternative to Petroleum Diesel Reduce Risk for Worker Health and the Environment? Evaluation of Diesel Versus Biodiesel Exhaust Exposures for Employees at a Rural Recycling Center

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