Smoking with CleanSmoke reduces particulate matter emissions
Urban air pollution remains a major problem and poses a real threat to health. This is reported by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Fine dust concentrations are above the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value in nearly 200 European cities. Particulate matter in particular is considered the air pollutant with the greatest health impact in terms of disease and premature deaths. According to the EEA, life expectancy in the EU would be reduced by more than eight months due to particulate matter. Among other things, particulate matter is produced during traditional smoking. Smokehouses, on the other hand, that rely on CleanSmoke technology easily comply with all air pollutant limits.
The problem is obvious: numerous conventional smokehouses are located in areas with residential development. Emitted emissions are still too high, despite legally required air pollution control technologies. The combustion processes produce smoke, ash and particulate matter. But a much more environmentally friendly technology has long been available. The CleanSmoke smoking process can reduce particulate emissions by no less than 87 percent. This is the result of analyses carried out as part of the European Eco-innovation Action Plan (EcoAP).
CleanSmoke means smoking without pollutants
CleanSmoke is smoke freshly produced from primary smoke condensate using compressed air. These primary smoke products are cleaned of undesirable substances such as ash, soot, tar and polycyclic aromatics (PAHs) in a multi-stage filter process. When smoking with CleanSmoke, there is no open fire or embers, which is why no pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides or carbon monoxide are produced. “Smokehouses are also increasingly criticized for their emissions,” says Uwe Vogel, chairman of the CleanSmoke Coalition. The CleanSmoke Coalition is a joint initiative of primary smoke product manufacturers, food producers and retailers. “With CleanSmoke, smokers can actively promote better air quality.”
For years, the European Union (EU) has required the manufacturing sector to use only environmentally friendly processing technologies. It therefore expressly endorses the use of primary smoke products, as these are considered less harmful to health than traditionally smoked products. This is due to their fractionation and purification from undesirable substances (EU Regulation 2065/2003). This is one of the reasons why the European Commission has awarded CleanSmoke the title of ‘Best Available Technology’ (BAT).
But it is not only in the smokehouses that particulate pollution can be reduced. The consistent use of CleanSmoke also ensures fewer traffic emissions. This is because neither wood has to be delivered nor ash removed. On the other hand, delivery of smoke condensates has to take place comparatively less frequently. And: Food smoked with CleanSmoke also contributes to health because no harmful substances can pass into the products.