Smokeless Fuels Contain Ultrafine Particles That Get Embedded in Lungs, Study Shows

B1288 words2:17News Report British AccentPublished Mar 20, 2026 · Updated Mar 23, 2026

Society & Current AffairsHealth Environment Science

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#1

Study Finds 'Smokeless' Fuels Release Tiny Particles That Can Harm Lung Health

#2

A new study has revealed that smokeless fuels may not be as safe as people believe.

#3

Researchers discovered that burning these fuels produces large amounts of ultrafine particles.

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These particles are so tiny that they can travel deep into people's lungs and cause serious health problems.

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Smokeless fuels are sold as cleaner alternatives to coal, wood, and peat for home heating.

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Many people have chosen these fuels because they are expected to improve air quality.

#7

However, the research team at the University of Galway found something surprising during their tests.

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The discovery was accidental.

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Scientists were testing different fuels in both traditional and modern stoves.

#10

As expected, smokeless fuels produced less visible smoke than wood or coal.

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But for each kilogram burned, these fuels released two to three times more ultrafine particles.

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The tiny size of these particles means they can become deposited deep in the lungs.

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Professor Jurgita Ovadnevaite, from the University of Galway, explained the results.

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"No one had considered that less smoke could lead to an increase in ultrafine particles."

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"We did not expect such a strong effect until we saw the data."

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Doctor Chunshui Lin, who also worked on the study, added that the team spent nearly two months burning fuel samples every day to check the data quality.

#17

After the laboratory findings, the researchers went back to check outdoor air measurements in Dublin and the town of Birr in Ireland.

#18

They wanted to understand how ultrafine particles from smokeless fuels affect local air quality.

#19

This research suggests that toxic substances in these fuels need more attention.

#20

Experts now believe that regulations on smokeless fuels should be updated to protect lung health.