SOLIFTEC Factsheet - Properties of Fuels

Emissions in milligrams per kW as fired	Anthracite	Bituminous Coal	Coke	Wood	LPG	Natural Gas	Fuel Oil
Black Smoke	647	5,384	732	400	0	0	95
PM10	415	1,346	37	1,537	13	11	98
Carbon Dioxide	93,988	90,983	104,967	0	58,140	51,000	80,952
Carbon Monoxide	5,202	6,057	5,882	19,261	29	29	48
Methane	231	2,019	758	702	3	9	29
Non Methane VOC	197	1,884	641	1,053	7	23	12
Benzene	8	78	27	309	0.578	2	0.619
Nitrous Oxide	16	15	14	6	0.343	0.323	2
Nitrogen Oxides as NO2	185	191	174	140	165	165	666
Sulfur Dioxide	1,503	2,692	2,092	6	0	0	2,476
Mercury	0.029	0.015	0.033	0.006	0	0	0.002
Lead	0.723	0.386	0.817	0.177	0	0	0.077

	Smoke is particles of unburned fuel, it can contribute to smog and is carcinogenic, harmful to lung tissue and can worsen respiratory and cardiovascular problems, especially if the particles are smaller than 10 microns (PM10's).
	Carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced when plants decompose, by volcanos and other natural processes. Although human activity probably accounts for less than 5% of global production, it is widely considered to be a contributor to climate change. As wood emits only that CO2 the tree absorbed in life, it is considered to be emission-neutral. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, asphyxiating gas. As it oxidises rapidly its effects are apparent only in confined spaces.
	Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) including methane (CH4), benzene (C6H6), formaldehyde (CH2O), butadiene (C4H6) and acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) are all carcinogens, harmful to crops and accumulate within the food chain. All VOC's are components of smog, catalysts for ozone and components of acid rain.
	Nitrogen oxides are not very harmful to humans, except at high concentrations, but are known to be catalyst for ozone, components of acid rain and smog, and can have adverse effects on plant growth. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) irritates the respiratory system, inhibits plant growth and is a cause of acid rain. However, it has a counter effect on greenhouse gases by blocking radiation.