A recent study reveals that fumes emanating from cooking oil have a significant impact on air quality and climate, highlighting an often overlooked environmental concern.
Tl;dr
- Cooking oil emissions persist and restructure, affecting air quality and cloud formation.
- The oleic acid in these emissions can absorb more water, making the pollutants heavier and longer-lasting.
- Improved ventilation and the use of fume hoods are recommended to reduce exposure.
Surprising impact of cooking oil emissions on the environment
A recent study carried out by the University of Birmingham has revealed an unexpected phenomenon: cooking oil emissions do not dissipate quickly, but are restructured by structures complexes. These influence cloud formation and air quality, consequently increasing the persistence of pollutants.
Heavy and long-lasting pollutants
Emissions, like oleic acid, can absorb more water, making pollutants heavier and more persistent. The study, entitled “Experimental observation of the impact of nanostructure on the hygroscopicity and reactivity of fatty acid atmospheric aerosol proxies”was published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. She explores how the molecular reorganization of cooking fats affects cloud formation and urban emissions.
Persistence of pollutants longer than expected
Researchers have found that aerosol pollutants from cooking can last longer than expected. Indeed, those that form nanostructures could absorb much more water than simple models. As a result, the droplets become heavier and will eventually be removed from the atmosphere when they fall as rain.
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Measures to reduce exposure
To reduce exposure to pollutants from cooking, researchers recommend make more use of extractor hoods and ensuring that kitchens are well ventilated. This would allow aerosol particles to escape quickly. Lead researcher Professor Christian Pfrang said: “As we develop our understanding of how these particles behave in the atmosphere, we will be able to design more sophisticated air pollution control strategies. »
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