| Summary: | Emissions of components of VOCs from combustion of agro-waste materials were quantified. Agro-waste materials comprising corn cobs, corn husks, bean chaff and rice husks were burnt at a temperature of 400°C in a muffle furnace, and the emissions were quantified according to standard procedures. Health risk associated with exposure to the emissions, based on carcinogenicity and non-carcinogenicity, was evaluated using excess lifetime carcinogenic risk (ECLR) and hazard quotient (HQ), respectively. The results showed identification of 11 compounds comprising undecane, benzene, bromoform, ethylbenzene, styrene, toluene, p-xylene, 1,3-dimethylbenzene, o-xylene and phenol. The concentrations of the identified compounds ranged from 0.01 to 7.35 µg/m3, with chlorobenzene (emission from corn cobs) having the highest concentration and 1,3-dimethylbenzene having the lowest concentration (across all samples). The results also showed that ELCR and HQ values were below the recommended levels. The result concluded that although short-term exposures to the emission from combustion are not likely to cause health issues, prolonged exposure should be avoided as this could complicate issues for individuals with existing health challenges.
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