![\"Furan\"](\"https:\/\/clarebryden.co.uk\/particulart\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Furan.png\")
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Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs; known colloquially as furans) are subject to the European Waste Incineration Directive<\/a>, which puts strict limits on emissions to air. Incineration is controlled to minimise their production, and the flue gas is treated post-combustion. The resulting toxic fly ash must be handled as hazardous waste.<\/p>\n The structure of furans comprises two benzene rings (six carbon atoms) joined directly and by one oxygen atom. Chlorine atoms may be attached to this structure at any of positions 1\u20134 and 6\u20139 in the above picture, which gives 135 flavours. Hydrogen atoms are attached to the remaining positions.<\/p>\n Of the 135 furan flavours, the ten below exhibit dioxin-like properties and are given toxicity ratings by the World Health Organization (WHO). Furans are commonly regarded as highly toxic compounds<\/a> that are environmental pollutants and persistent organic pollutants.The reference molecule for rating toxicity is 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin<\/a>.<\/p>\nEmissions of dioxins<\/a> and furans from an incinerator typical of those currently operating in the UK (230,000 tonnes per year) are approximately equivalent to<\/a> emissions from accidental fires in a town the size of Milton Keynes (population 230,000). That is, emissions from the Exeter Incinerator will be equivalent to half the emissions from accidental fires in Exeter.<\/div>\n