Emission Characteristics and Concentrations of Gaseous Pollutants in Environmental Moxa Smoke

Abstract

The burning of moxa floss in moxibustion constitutes a major anthropogenic source of many gaseous pollutants, which has been associated with many different negative environmental health effects. The aim of the present study is to systemically study the concentration of gaseous pollutants emitted from different types of moxa floss combustion and present key information in abbreviated tabular form to assist in the assessment of air quality in moxibustion clinics and contribute to the safety evaluation of moxibustion. Sampling was divided into pre-combustion, combustion and post-combustion phases. The pollutants determined were carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) produced by burning three types of moxa floss samples. The average post-combustion concentrations for CO, CO2 and NO2 in moxibustion clinics were 9.333 ppm, 0.138% and 10.556 μg m–3, respectively. SO2 was below detectable limit. NO2 concentration decreased during post-combustion, possibly as a result of reactions from moxa floss combustion. The levels of target gaseous pollutants from 4 g of moxa floss combustion were not produced in quantities that exceeded present international air quality standards and occupational exposure limits. Data from our study is important for the recognition and control of occupational and non-occupational gaseous exposure and for the assessment of air quality in moxibustion clinics by professional authorities.