Environment Technology
Health research becomes part of research on atmospheric emissions
In Kuopio, research into the health impacts of particulate matter is particularly aimed at promoting environmentally friendly production and use of bioenergy.
The University of Eastern Finland is building up a major research infrastructure to facilitate research on the harmfulness of pollutants in conditions corresponding to actual exposure. This constitutes a remarkable new initiative in the field of environmental technology, relating to research into the health impacts of air pollutants.
Research data is in demand as the production and use of bioenergy increases substantially over the next few years, both in Finland and throughout the European Union. The use of bioenergy enhances energy self-sufficiency but involves the risk of adverse impacts on the environment or human health.
New information on harmfulness
A large proportion of particulate matter harmful to health originates through a range of incineration processes, such as the incineration of biomass, and transport. However, health risks cannot be predicted simply on the basis of the quantity of emissions. Qualitative criteria are also called for.
In the University of Eastern Finland’s atmospheric pollution research environment, respiratory tract cells are exposed directly to actual exhaust emissions from incinerators and vehicles. The exposed cells undergo comprehensive toxicological analysis, and the physical and chemical properties of the emissions are also analysed.
- Research on the health risks of emissions from combustion requires new methods whereby the collection and processing of samples can be avoided, as this may influence the composition of the emissions, says Professor Maija-Riitta Hirvonen of the University of Eastern Finland.
The equipment yields information on how health risks arise from emissions and which components in the emissions contribute to their harmfulness, such as the quality of fuel, the performance of fuel and the method of use. The equipment can be utilised, inter alia, in research and development related to biofuels and nanoparticles. Research data can facilitate, for instance, the correct targeting of measures to restrict emissions.
Recently, Tekes – the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation – granted funding for the research project, the preparation of which has been supported by the Finnish Cleantech Cluster of the OSKE Centre of Expertise Programme. The project examines the emissions of recovery and wood chip boilers, small-scale combustion and diesel vehicles.
Multidisciplinary cooperation
The international trend is to integrate toxicological health research closely with the development of new technologies and processes that are safe in terms of health.
The extensive, multidisciplinary project launched at the University of Eastern Finland will be implemented through cooperation between three research groups, including, in addition to the University, the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the National Institute for Health and Welfare and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The project forms part of the remit of the Kuopio Center for Aerosol Research located on the Kuopio campus.
Infrastructure expansion and acquisition of equipment is financed with support from the European Regional Development Fund, coordinated by the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment for North Savo, and the University of Eastern Finland. The Tekes project financiers include Finnish Energy Industries, the Finnish Recovery Boiler Committee, Ecocat Oy, Vihtavuori, Tulikivi Oyj, MW Biopower Oy, Symo Oy and Savon Voima Oyj.
The KANTIVA Bioenergy Research Centre, operating in Kuopio from 2008 to 2010, is also one of the background actors. KANTIVA's objectives included the minimisation of the adverse impacts of the use of bioenergy and the promotion, in particular, of environmental sector research and development activities throughout Eastern Finland, in cooperation with local enterprises and other actors.
In addition to preparing the Tekes project, OSKE also supported KANTIVA in networking. One example of this is the brochure of the national cooperation network on energy research (http://www.kuopioinnovation.fi/upload/files/Energiatyonjako_webversio.pdf).
