Literature data on particle emissions are compared with emissions from combustion of wood pellets and wood briquettes in commercial small-scale combustion devices: a pellet stove, two pellet burners and two smaller district heating boilers. The influence of operating parameters and fuel quality was investigated. Mass concentration, number concentration and number size distribution of particles were determined. The mass size distribution was analysed as well as the inorganic components. Gaseous compounds were recorded to give information about the combustion conditions. The mass concentrations of particles were between 34 and 240 mg Nm(-3), increasing during unsatisfactory operation conditions. The number concentration was in the range of 10(7)-10(8) particles per Ncm(-3). The particle emission was dominated by submicron particles (size < 1 mum), both from number and mass perspective. The main inorganic components of the submicron particles were potassium, sulphur, chlorine and oxygen. Small amounts of sodium, magnesium and zinc were also found. The contents of potassium, chlorine, and sulphur in the fuel are important for the composition of the emitted inorganic submicron particles. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.