Potential Health Risks Associated with Biochar-From Production to Field Application

Biochar remains one of the most researched topics in the last decade for its multifaceted potential benefits, e.g., climate change mitigation, soil fertility improvement, and environmental remediation. However, the biochar production and application did not follow the same pace as the literature did. The less adoption of this technology in the fields may include a high price involved in biochar production, and less availability of biomass for pyrolysis, while it also carries potential risks. Despite the extensive literature on biochar, biochar production, and application risks have yet to be studied adequately. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the health risks associated with biochar from production to field application. Our synthesis showed that the major health risks are exposure to pathogens and heavy metals during biomass collection; sorting, heat, and smoke exposure during production; and exposure to particulate organic matter and heavy metals during application. We also provide the direction of future research. Altogether, this chapter will provide new insights into risks associated with biochar production and applications.