If you live near the area, keep your windows and doors closed while the fire is burning. Preparing food in the normal way, such as washing and peeling vegetables and fruit grown in the area, will remove any deposits from the smoke. Smoke from all bonfires and fires contains irritants that can affect people with asthma. Keep away from the fire, stay out of the smoke and keep all windows and doors shut. Make sure that you have your reliever medication close at hand in case you feel unwell.
Dioxins are one of many organic chemicals released by all fires including the burning of carcasses.
You could be exposed to dioxins in two ways - from breathing in the smoke or from food produced in the area close to the fires. Short term exposure to dioxins in smoke from a fire burning carcasses should carry no more risk than exposure to a normal large bonfire. Normal food preparation of washing and peeling fruit and vegetables will remove any residues of dioxins deposited on food growing outside. The Foods Standards Agency is testing samples of soil and herbage around larger pyres to assess the suitability for grazing and any implications for food safety. Strict environmental and public health guidelines are being followed to ensure that burying carcasses is safe to people and the environment.