Abstract
Summary The use of fire fighting chemicals in Australia is increasing, yet few data are available to allow evaluation of their potential environmental effects on Australian ecosystems. These chemical retardants and foams are used extensively in natural areas with high environmental value, and there is a need to evaluate the effects of the fire compared with the effects of the fire retardant and suppressant chemicals. A summary of the data available suggests that there is significant potential for damage to terrestrial vegetation from fire retardants, and to aquatic ecosystems from fire fighting foams. There is a need to quantify the impacts of foams and retardants on native vegetation, and verify the effects of foams on aquatic organisms. There is great potential for the use of foams for prescribed burning operations, as well as wildfire suppression, but its widespread use should be minimised until its potential ecological impacts can be assessed. Existing guidelines for handling foam in the field should be strictly enforced.
Published Version
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