Changes in ground-based solar ultraviolet radiation during fire episodes: a case study

Abstract

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels are affected by airborne aerosols, such as particles and gases released during biomass burning events. Two large-scale fires in South Africa were identified and selected based on their proximity to solar UVR measurement sites and the prevailing wind direction at the time of the fires. Solar UVR levels were then scrutinized to qualitatively assess whether it could be seen if the fires impacted upon solar UVR levels. It was difficult to make definitive conclusions about the relationship between fires and solar UVR without local high-quality column or ground-based ambient air pollution (particulate matter in particular) data; however, the threat to public health from fires was acknowledged.