ALL AFFECTED BY WOOD SMOKE

I read with interest the recent letters page devoted to the topic of fires in fireplaces. Most surprising to me was the notion by some that regulating such a thing somehow usurps their right to do what they want in the privacy of their own home.

Since when is it acceptable to threaten the health of others just because the offending act takes place in the comfort and privacy of one's own home?

Sure, hearth fires are nice. But so is being able to breathe clean air.

Sure, burning hundreds of pounds of wood each winter can lower one's heating bill. But why should the rest of society have to breathe filthy, stinky, cancer-causing air so one household can lower its bill?

Just like noise from obnoxious, barking dogs, very loud music at 3 a.m., or a bullet from a firearm discharged randomly into the sky, toxic soot becomes society's business the instant it leaves the privacy of someone's property and enters the privacy of someone else's property.

I treasure my rights and privileges as an American, but I also understand that I should not gratuitously endanger others for the sake of my own pleasure or economic benefit.

Anyone who closes the flue, seals off the chimney, closes their doors and windows, shuts off all vent fans, and still chooses to have a fire should have the right to do so.

Because only then is the cozy hearth fire's smoke restricted to the privacy and enjoyment of the home, where it belongs.