Brian Barton
Bonfires are a source of air pollution, releasing carbon monoxide, dioxins, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, particulate matter, and toxic metals into the atmosphere. However, little is known about the extent of the air pollution they cause. The Environmental Agency has set guidelines to help organisers follow the law and avoid any legal complications, as well as to prevent harm to the respiratory health of bystanders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution | Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, particulate matter, toxic metals, and dioxins |
| Health | Harmful to respiratory health of bystanders |
| Law | Fines of up to £50,000 for those responsible for bonfires that don't follow the Environmental Agency's guidelines |
What You'll Learn
- Bonfires release carbon monoxide, dioxins and particles into the atmosphere, adding to air pollution
- Bonfire night pollution emissions are likely higher than those produced by incineration facilities
- Bonfires are a frequent source of complaints to UK local councils
- Bonfires can cause harm to the respiratory health of bystanders
- Little is known about the air pollution bonfires cause
Bonfires release carbon monoxide, dioxins and particles into the atmosphere, adding to air pollution
While bonfires are a frequent source of complaints to local councils in the UK, little is known about the extent of air pollution they cause. Scientists have been investigating air pollution from bonfires by burning leaves and hedge trimmings in a giant chamber to better understand the problem. Despite the lack of comprehensive data, it is clear that bonfires release pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to overall air pollution levels.
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Bonfire night pollution emissions are likely higher than those produced by incineration facilities
However, little is known about the air pollution bonfires cause. A team of French scientists has been investigating air pollution from bonfires by burning leaves and hedge trimmings in a giant chamber. Among the harmful bonfire night pollution gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM) as well as toxic metals.
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Bonfires are a frequent source of complaints to UK local councils
The Environmental Agency has made a set of guidelines to help organisers correctly follow the law and avoid any legal complications in terms of the bonfire site and items being added to it. This is to prevent any waste from being illegally burned, which would cause harm to the respiratory health of bystanders. Those responsible for bonfires may even be fined up to £50,000 if they don't follow these guidelines for bonfire night pollution carefully.
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Bonfires can cause harm to the respiratory health of bystanders
Little is known about the air pollution bonfires cause, but they are a frequent source of complaints to UK local councils. The Environmental Agency has made a set of guidelines to help organisers correctly follow the law and avoid any legal complications in terms of the bonfire site and items being added to it. This is to prevent any waste from being illegally burned which would cause harm to the respiratory health of bystanders. Those responsible for bonfires may be fined up to £50,000 if they don't follow these guidelines.
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Little is known about the air pollution bonfires cause
The National Society for Clean Air has said that carbon monoxide, dioxins and particles are released into the atmosphere by bonfires, adding to background air pollution. Carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, particulate matter and toxic metals are also among the harmful gases produced by bonfires.
Bonfires are not a chance to get rid of any unwanted rubbish. The Environmental Agency has made a set of guidelines to help organisers correctly follow the law and avoid any legal complications in terms of the bonfire site and items being added to it. Those responsible for bonfires may be fined up to £50,000 if they don't follow these guidelines.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, bonfires are a source of air pollution. Bonfire night pollution emissions are likely higher than those produced by incineration facilities. Bonfires release carbon monoxide, dioxins, and particles into the atmosphere, adding to background air pollution.
Harmful gases released by bonfires include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter. Bonfires also release toxic metals.
You should check with your local council about the materials that are permitted for bonfires. The Environmental Agency has guidelines to help organisers follow the law and avoid any legal complications. Those responsible for bonfires may be fined up to £50,000 if they don't follow these guidelines.
