Chapter 14 Smoke from Wildfires and Prescribed Burning in Australia: Effects on Human Health and Ecosystems

摘要: Abstract Much of Australia is seasonally hot and dry, fuel beds can become very flammable. Biomass burning ranges from annual savanna fires in the north to sporadic but extensive forest south. In addition, prescribed (the controlled application fire) being used more frequently as a means reducing loads, for maintenance plant animal biodiversity forestry practices. Despite this comparison Northern Hemisphere, there are few Australian studies production or composition smoke biomass burning. There also relatively minimal literature detailing effect wildfire on human health flora fauna. Most dealing with issues outline epidemiological that document incidence hospital visits admissions during events. The causal link between respiratory illness yet be established. bulk publications ecological effects concerned germination seed, little information available direct components physiology biochemistry plants, animals, invertebrates, microorganisms. We will knowledge emissions wildland fire environment indicate potential areas future research. large proportion vegetation composed forests dominated by native species Eucalyptus Acacia , while expanses plantations single volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such substantial. Thus, we an emerging research area which links among VOCs species, environmental conditions, found produced explored.