The role of bush fires in the formation and fate of dioxin like chemicals in Australia (2005-2007)
Abstract
Dioxins are persistent highly toxic and bioaccumulative compounds subject to the global POPs treaty currently under review for ratification by the Australian government. Previous extrapolation from combustion chamber (emission) studies implied that bushfires contribute substantially to the total dioxin emissions in Australia. Recent work demonstrates: a) dioxin formation in chamber experiments is not representative of bushfires b) dioxin emissions from bushfires are not necessarily the result of formation but re-emission processes. We propose a systematic approach to quantify dioxin formation and re-emission from bushfires. The outcomes are essential for appropriate management actions to reduce dioxin emissions
