US EPA concluded that premature deaths can result from both chronic and acute exposure to particulate matter. Smoke from various sources in the community is a major source of particulate matter. Wood burning produces fine particulate matter and is very dangerous. They occur naturally and are all potent carcinogens. Toxic compounds such as PAH's and carbon monoxide are produced as a result of incomplete combustion of fuel.
Carbon monoxide reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.
VOC's including benzene, aldehydes, phenols and organic acids emanate from wood smoke. High concentrations of hydrocarbon odours are obnoxious to some people and can cause eye and lung irritation. While we may consider agricultural chemical application in the domestic and urban environment to be minor use, this may not necessarily be so. An audit needs to be taken of the volume of agricultural chemicals used in South East Queensland and some studies initiated to gather baseline data for types of diseases in heavy application areas. Such studies should investigate the combined effect of agricultural chemicals with other urban pollutants.