Oil Spill Science and Technology, 2nd Edition

10.4. Burn Emissions

The primary environmental and health concerns related to in situ burning are the emissions produced by the fire. The measurement of emissions has revealed several facts about the quantity, fate, and behavior of the basic emissions from burning. Overall, emissions are now understood to the extent that emission levels and safe distances downwind can be calculated for fires of various sizes and types. A typical crude oil burn (500 m²) would not exceed health limits for emissions beyond about 500 m from the fire. People and the environment can be protected by ensuring that the burn is kept the minimum distances away from populated and sensitive areas. Fig. 10.19 illustrates the emissions from fires, the important point is that ...