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The Use of Biomass for Electricity Generation: A Scoping Review of Health Effects on Humans in Residential and Occupational Settings

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  • Alice Freiberg

    (Boysen TU Dresden Graduate School, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
    Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany)

  • Julia Scharfe

    (Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany)

  • Vanise C. Murta

    (Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany)

  • Andreas Seidler

    (Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany)

Abstract

The utilization of biomass for power generation has become more prevalent globally. To survey the status of evidence concerning resulting health impacts and to depict potential research needs, a scoping-review was conducted. Biomass life cycle phases of interest were the conversion and combustion phases. Studies from occupational and residential settings were considered. The scoping review was conducted systematically, comprising an extensive literature search, a guided screening process, in-duplicate data extraction, and critical appraisal. Two reviewers executed most review steps. Nine articles of relevance were identified. In occupational settings of biomass plants, exposure to endotoxins and fungi might be associated with respiratory disorders. An accidental leakage of hydrogen sulfide in biogas plants may lead to fatalities or severe health impacts. Living near biomass power plants (and the accompanied odorous air pollution) may result in an increased risk for several symptoms and odor annoyance, mediated by perception about air pollution or an evaluation of a resulting health risk. The methodological quality of included studies varied a lot. Overall, the body of evidence on the topic is sparse and future high-quality research is strongly recommended.

Suggested Citation

  • Alice Freiberg & Julia Scharfe & Vanise C. Murta & Andreas Seidler, 2018. "The Use of Biomass for Electricity Generation: A Scoping Review of Health Effects on Humans in Residential and Occupational Settings," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-27, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:2:p:354-:d:132239
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Annette C. Rohr & Sharan L. Campleman & Christopher M. Long & Michael K. Peterson & Susan Weatherstone & Will Quick & Ari Lewis, 2015. "Potential Occupational Exposures and Health Risks Associated with Biomass-Based Power Generation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-64, July.
    2. Burgherr, Peter & Hirschberg, Stefan, 2014. "Comparative risk assessment of severe accidents in the energy sector," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 74(S1), pages 45-56.
    3. Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Kryman, Matthew & Laine, Emily, 2015. "Profiling technological failure and disaster in the energy sector: A comparative analysis of historical energy accidents," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 90(P2), pages 2016-2027.
    4. David Moher & Alessandro Liberati & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Douglas G Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009. "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-6, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Marco Tamburini & Roberta Pernetti & Manuela Anelli & Enrico Oddone & Anna Morandi & Adam Osuchowski & Simona Villani & Cristina Montomoli & Maria Cristina Monti, 2023. "Analysing the Impact on Health and Environment from Biogas Production Process and Biomass Combustion: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(7), pages 1-29, March.
    2. Adam Wąs & Piotr Sulewski & Nataliia Gerasymchuk & Ludmila Stepasyuk & Vitaliy Krupin & Zoia Titenko & Kinga Pogodzińska, 2022. "The Potential of Ukrainian Agriculture’s Biomass to Generate Renewable Energy in the Context of Climate and Political Challenges—The Case of the Kyiv Region," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-16, September.

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