Dioxins and furans in fly ashes from an incinerator

The amount of dioxins and furans in fly ashes from a medical waste incinerator was determined following the US EPA 8280A protocol. Dioxin emissions in both particulate matter and exit gas stream from the incinerator’s chimney were estimated. Furthermore, the role of several operating conditions: residence time, combustion temperature, metal content, and oxygen levels, as possible factors leading to dioxin formation are discussed. Some useful recommendations to improve the process of incineration of medical residues are also outlined.