Effect of Distributed Electric Power Generation on Household Exposure to Airborne Carcinogens in Beirut | Ifi Research Study

Research Study | January 2013
Effect of Distributed Electric Power Generation on Household Exposure to Airborne Carcinogens in Beirut by Alan Shihadeh, Marc Al Helou, Najat Saliba, Sara Jaber, Nader Alaeddine, Elias Ibrahim,
Zahra Salahieh, Maher Chiit
Due to inadequate power production capacity, EDL has in recent years instituted a rotating power outage regimen in Lebanon. People and businesses have turned to privately-owned diesel generator sets for power during outages. Because these generators are located in dense urban areas, their emissions may significantly increase inhalation exposure to harmful substances. In this study, levels of airborne carcinogens were measured when diesel generators were operating and when they were off, on the balconies of 20 residences located in the Hamra area of Beirut. Data were interpreted using a computational fluid dynamics model of pollutant dispersion.