You are here:
ESTIMATION OF EMISSIONS FROM CHARCOAL LIGHTER FLUID AND REVIEW OF ALTERNATIVES
Citation:
Campbell, D. AND M. Stockton. ESTIMATION OF EMISSIONS FROM CHARCOAL LIGHTER FLUID AND REVIEW OF ALTERNATIVES. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-90/003 (NTIS PB90-186313), 1990.
Impact/Purpose:
information
Description:
The report gives results of an evaluation of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from charcoal lighter fluid, a consumer product consisting entirely of volatile constituents. An estimated 46,250 tons (42,000 Mg) of charcoal lighter fluid is used in the U.S. each year. OCs contribute to the formation of ozone; therefore, the ozone nonattainment issue has focused attention on VOCs are emitted from many sources. VOCs are emitted when charcoal lighter fluid is used, but these emissions are difficult to quantify. Evaporative VOC losses occur from the lighter fluid prior to ignition, and combustion VOC losses occur from burning lighter-fluid soaked charcoal briquettes. This study evaluates tests conducted to date on charcoal lighter fluid emissions. The information is most complete for evaporative VOC losses. The estimates vary greatly, however, based on the length of time between application of the lighter fluid and ignition. Estimates of evaporative VOC losses range from 244 to 6,937 tons/yr (220 to 6,300 Mg/yr). The best estimate of VOC evaporate emissions is 1,110 tons VOC/yr (1,000 Mg/yr). pproximately 14,500 tons VOC/yr (13,150 MG/yr) is expected to be emitted from the combined evaporation and combustion of charcoal lighter fluid. The limited tests conducted to date have not distinguished lighter fluid from charcoal briquette combustion emissions.