The available literature was surveyed, and samples of all known additives procured. Each additive was analyzed for elemental composition to provide a basis for testing. A standard screening procedure was established to test the effect of each additive on emissions from fuel oil combustion. Screening tests were carried out on all distillate soluble additives. The most promising additives were then subjected to a rigorous examination. Fuel additives are not a promising way of reducing air pollution from distillate oil combustion. A majority of the additives tested had no beneficial effects on air pollutant emissions; in fact, some additives even increased total particulate and NO(X) emissions. Several of the metal-containing additives, e.g., Ferrocene, CI-2, and Fuelco SO3, reduced total particulate emissions; however, the unknown toxicity of new emissions they create makes their use questionable. Further, there is evidence that for distillate oils, burner modifications are a more suitable route to air pollution control. (Author)

Includes bibliographical references (pages 85-86).