Every year the United States generates close to 300 million scrap tires. Due to their high energygenerating capacity, tires can be used as a fuel source (tire-derived fuel, or TDF). In 2006 a paper mill located less than 3 miles from the Vermont border received a permit to conduct a 2-week test burn of TDF to evaluate its potential to replace oil as a source of fuel. Simulations and data from other mills suggested that tires may release metal emissions and fine particulates when they are burned. The Vermont Department of Health (VDH) conducted surveillance in the population living closest to the paper mill because metal emissions and fine particulates have been associated with adverse health effects.
Objective
The VDH established a short term surveillance system to track health effects related to a test burn of tire-derived fuel.