Scientist questions "eco-friendly" ethanol

Sweden's growing enthusiasm for ethanol as a transport biofuel (EED 17/06/05) has been challenged by a leading scientist. Writing in Dagens Nyheter newspaper, professor Hans-Erik Ångström of the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) notes that an engine using fuel containing ethanol starting in cold weather emits up to 18 times more damaging hydrocarbons, such as formaldehyde, than an ordinary petrol engine. A pilot programme using ethanol in motor saws had to be aborted after foresters were sickened by the exhaust fumes, he added. Professor Ångström called for stricter controls pending further research. See article.