Estimation of the toxicity equivalents of PCDD/PCDF mixtures from combustion sources when specific congener information is lacking: Preliminary results

In this paper we propose a “theoretical” model for estimating TEQ values of PCDD+PCDF mixtures which, starting from the experimental value of the PCDD+PCDF concentration (μg/Nm 3) and the theoretical value of PCDD and PCDF fingerprints in the emissions from municipal incinerators, allows an estimate of the ‘dioxin-like’ toxicity of the mixtures in terms of ng TEQ Nm 3 The TEQ values calculated for a number of samples are in good agreement with those from experimental data and are more conservative. Also taking into account the investment and running costs, the time and the analytical complexity connected with the determination of congeners and single isomer concentrations, it seems that the proposed “theoretical” model can be used as a reasonable tool for estimating the hazard of exposure to a complex mixture of PCDDs/PCDFs emitted from MSW incinerators.