Several earlier studies have reported that open burning of leaves or brush can produce large amounts of air pollution and worsen asthma (Medical Journal of Australia June 3, 2002;176:535-538 and Chest May 1992;101:1236-1239).

Open burning of trash, brush and leaves is also a major hazard for burn injury. A study of
hospital burns admissions at one Iowa Hospital found that 20% were due to trash/brush/leaf fires. Open burning of trash/brush/leaves was responsible for 12 burn deaths in 12 years or 1 death per year.

- L Wibbenmeyer et al. Trash and brush burning: an under appreciated mechanism of
thermal injury in a rural community. Journal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation March/ April
2003;24:85-89.