Emissions from combustion sources continue to be a controversial environmental issue. The risks associated with the widespread use of combustion have increased our awareness of the emissions of dioxins, other organic pollutants, NO_x and SO_x, complex mixtures, metals, and fine particulate matter. The goal of this Congress is to provide an international forum to discuss topics on the origins, fate, and health effects of combustion. This field has gained significant relevance to worldwide environmental policy, as risk-based programs increasingly rely on the ability of advanced scientific research to provide mechanistic, diagnostic, and analytical answers to complex problems concerning air toxic exposure.

     The Congress proposes a forum for advanced learning through emphasis on internationally-known invited speakers, advanced scientific and engineering   research presentations and an extensive poster session.  This focus provides an extensive learning experience and knowledge exchange for all participants, but primarily for students, as special emphasis is placed on attracting abstracts and encouraging participation from graduate students.  Other forums related to air pollution and combustion processes do not provide the specialty venue of combustion-derived air toxic pollutants from which student researchers can present and share their research while learning from other students as well as leading researchers in their field.  Researchers and practitioners  have the opportunity to interact and discuss recent developments and future goals in the control of combustion by-products and the effects of exposure on human and ecological health.