Ambient Total Suspended Particulate Matter and Benzo (a) Pyrene Concentrations from Residential Wood Combustion in a Mountain Resort Community

This research investigated community air pollution in Telluride, Colorado, resulting from particulate matter emissions generated by residential wood combustion. Total suspended particulate matter and benzo (a) pyrene (BaP) concentrations were highest in the center of town, averaging 61 µg/m3 and 7.4 ng/m3, respectively. The mean BaP level of 7.4 ng/m3 appears to be several times greater than that which would be expected in a major metropolitan area. Residential wood combustion is suspected as the primary source of BaP in this community.