• Smoke from agricultural burning is released at or near ground level in areas that are generally
populated, producing direct, intense exposure to pollutants for the nearby populations.
• This type of burning is generally carried out in stages, during specific times of the year, and may
lead to very high concentrations of pollutants.
• Burning agricultural waste creates non-specific sources of pollutants for the atmosphere and takes
place over very large areas. It is therefore difficult to measure and to regulate the resulting
emissions.
• Combustibles and combustion conditions vary, and pesticides may be present.
• This type of burning contributes to climate change, since among the compounds released are
greenhouse gases and short-lived climate-forcing pollutants like black carbon.
• Visibility in nearby areas and highways is affected.
• In addition, these incomplete combustion processes produce dioxins, which are highly toxic,
carcinogenic pollutants.