IMPACT OF BIODIESEL FUELS ON AIR QUALITY AND HUMAN HEALTH : SUMMARY REPORT

Abstract

There have been several studies regarding the effects of biodiesel on exhaust emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOC), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM). Almost all of these studies have examined emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicle (HDDV) engines. However, the effects of biodiesel use on ambient air quality have not been quantified. Thus, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has retained ENVIRON International Corporation to estimate the air quality and resultant toxic impacts from the use of biodiesel in several cities in the United States. This document discusses the results of the NREL Impact of Biodiesel Fuels on Air Quality and Human Health study. This report provides a summary of the key results on the air quality and risk impacts from the use of biodiesel in the heavy-duty diesel vehicle (HDDV) fleet. Details on the air quality impacts from the use of biodiesel are found in the five Task Reports prepared for the NREL biodiesel study.