Emissions and source allocation of carbonaceous air pollutants from wood stoves in developed countries: A review

• Published in: Atmospheric pollution research Vol. 11; no. 2; pp. 234 - 251
• Main Authors: Olsen, Yulia, Nøjgaard, Jacob Klenø, Olesen, Helge Rørdam, Brandt, Jørgen, Sigsgaard, Torben, Pryor, Sara C., Ancelet, Travis, Viana, María del Mar, Querol, Xavier, Hertel, Ole
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.02.2020
• Subjects: Ambient particulate pollution; Carbonaceous aerosol; Residential wood combustion; Source apportionment; Wood stoves; Source apportionment; Carbonaceous aerosol; Wood stoves; Ambient particulate pollution; Residential wood combustion
• ISSN: 1309-1042; 1309-1042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apr.2019.10.007

In recent years, residential wood combustion (RWC) has become a major source of ambient particulate matter (PM) in many developed countries, and in some of these countries even the largest source of primary particle emissions. While other sources of PM have been regulated intensively during the past decades, RWC has been subject to only minor regulation despite of its impact on climate and health. This review covers recent research publications on RWC contributions to ambient PM in different regions of Europe, North America and Australasia, and on key species associated with RWC. Furthermore, factors governing emissions from wood stoves (as the typical appliance used in residential heating) are evaluated. State-of-the-art methods for estimating RWC as a source of ambient PM are discussed. We conclude by highlighting important areas for future research and policies. •RWC is a significant source of ambient carbonaceous PM in developed countries.•Combustion efficiency is the main factor affecting abundance of emissions from RWC.•Automatically operated wood stoves provide the most effective combustion.•Harmonization of emission testing procedure for RWC appliances is necessary.