Dioxins in ambient air, bonfire night 1994

Measurements were made before, during, and after “bonfire night” at Oxford in England. Bonfire night (November 5) is an annual event during which it is customary in England to set off fireworks and have bonfires. An increase in dioxin and furan concentration (TEQ) by approximately a factor of four occurred during the period of bonfire night suggesting that bonfires and/or fireworks may be a significant source of trace organic pollutants. Further measurements were made at Cardiff, in Wales, during and after bonfire night in the vicinity of a large public bonfire and firework display to give an indication of possible changes in ambient levels of dioxins.