Looking for support for the attached petition. The link is at the bottom.
Thanks Vicki Morell
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
Many people don't think of smoke from wood stoves and fireplaces as air pollution but it is. Wood smoke is a threat to our health, well-being and environment. It contains hundreds of air pollutants, including gases and fine particulate matter that can cause cancer and other serious health problems such as: blood clots, heart attacks, stroke, lung disease, asthma, emphysema, pneumonia and bronchitis; irritation of the lungs, throat, sinuses and eyes; headaches; allergenic reactions, increased hospital admissions and even premature death.
Wood smoke is now recognized as a major source of air pollution. At current levels, fine particulates are now considered the worst kind of air pollution in BC, causing more illness and deaths (from lung and heart disease) than ozone. In fact, new research in the United States suggests that fine particulates are responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in that country each year.
Wood burning fireplaces and stoves can emit hundreds of times more pollution than any other form of heat such as natural gas, electricity, or oil. These particulates are so tiny that they are emitted both indoors and outdoors and come into non-burning homes through cracks, ventilation systems and around closed doors and windows.
Wood smoke toxins stay active in your body up to 40 times longer than tobacco smoke. According to Environment Canada, burning wood in a conventional wood stove for 9 hours emits as many particulates into the atmosphere as a car does traveling 18,000 km.
Fireplaces release six times more fine particulate matter than conventional stoves. This is the new second hand smoke.
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
We, the undersigned, call on all local governments in the province of British Columbia to create or amend existing bylaws to protect the residents of British Columbia from the health hazards, pollution, nuisance and interruption to normal daily life from all residential wood burning smoke and odour. We hold the Government of British Columbia accountable to its residents for making sure that these bylaws are enforced and for fulfilling its commitment to stop smoke pollution (particulate matter) in order to protect our health and environment.
Petition link----http://www.gopetition.com/online/21466.html
Feeling the burn over back-yard fires (Article)
Monday, October 13, 2008
Feeling the burn over back-yard fires (Article)
As more people enjoy sitting around the back-yard fire pit, some neighbors are up in arms over the health risks from the smoke. (excerpt)
By TOM MEERSMAN
Star Tribune-Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
October 12, 2008
Below are some comments from the StarTribune.com blog on the above story...
Did you all miss the health hazard and toxic chemicals?
Maybe I should just hold you all down and stuff a cigarette in your mouth if you like it so much. We live next to "burners", and have family members with asthma, and it's a real problem. There is a reason smoking is banned, this will hopefully follow suit. It is not a "mind your own business" deal when what they do directly affects others. If it was a construction site spewing dust particulates everywhere, you would all be against it.
posted by bluebird74
What in the world are you thinking?
Campfires are irritants when you are camping. Remember the challenge of getting out of the way the smoke is blowing? If you or your child has asthma, you simply cannot have campfires, even when camping. The toxins released are worse than standing behind the diesel bus. If you think that people don't burn illegal brush etc just because someone at their house picked up a free permit once, you are naive. If you choose to have a campfire when you are out away from civilization and everyone breathing the smoke and pollutants is a part of your group, you have my blessing. However, I do not agree with my neighbors having the right to make my yard uninhabitable every weekend all summer and fall. Houses are so close and wind will do what it will, but I could sit on their decks and not get the smoke because it is blowing from both of their fires to my deck, away from their houses. No, we live too close in the suburbs for this to continue.
posted by georgina17
My son has asthma and because I live between three neighbors who, by the way, moved in two years after me, love their fires--day and night. We've been to the hospital several times this past spring and summer with each visit costing $50 plus the additional cost for his medicine, of which we did not use as frequently until they moved in. My neighbors have been told in a very kind manner that my son has asthma, but that has not been a consideration for them--they just keep burning and my son keeps suffering. How nice, NOT! Regulations come in when people start to show no considerations for others which cancels out the "MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS" statement. Just be considerate. Burn less often so we all can enjoy the outdoors!
posted by AdrienneBTW
These fires are just like 2nd hand smoke
They are awful. They stink. It's just a moron or two per neighborhood that keep having these fires. This is a city, not a campground. Our houses are too close together. I hope they ban the fires.
posted by dgb04
Warm your backyard and the globe
Improving air quality is an on-going and uphill battle, and Campfires are a significant source of air pollution in Minneapolis that is totally avoidable. In fact, a campfire produces signifcantly more greenhouse gases than a car. Benzene, C02 and other harmful pollutants are all produced by outdoor recreational fires. According to some studies, a wood fire can emit as many fine particles into the air in nine hours as does a a mid-size automobile traveling 11,000 mile in one year. (http://www.eauquebec.com/air/chauf-bois/index-en.htm) Many progressive cities such as Seattle have limited or banned outdoor fires during poor air quality periods, and sometimes banned them altogether. With air quality concerns in Minneapolis, it seems like an issue the city should be taking seriously. posted by styopr
Rednecks wanting their "rights."
What part of asthma isn't serious to those of you touting the constitution? It is a real medical problem, as are other respiratory diseases. Should we all still be able to smoke in the break room at work or maybe on a plane? C'mon, those in the vicinity of the toxic smoke should just "get over it." Burn all the smoke you want in your own house, but when it is making mine stink, you've invaded MY rights. posted by bluebird74
I just got back from Beijing where everybody burns everything, and even in the country the air looks like a forest fire is in progress. Yes, smoke is bad for you.
posted by betty6114
No place for campfires in the city.
Campfires belong at campgrounds not in your densely populated neighborhood in the city...
posted by phishe
Your Rights End Where Mine Begin!
No one has a right to case hardship and harm to others, especially if it is for something as trivial as their personal amusement. Ban the backyard fires, fireplaces, and the charcoal grills too! It is time to bring Minnesota out of the stone age.
posted by RogK
Not a problem until very recently...
I wonder if this was not a problem in the past because the medical profession failed to recognize asthma and its causes -- so asthmatic children and adults simply died and no one understood that the smoke and pollutants killed them off.
Now we know and understand the condition, and have the means to minimize or even prevent the situations that would harm these people -- this knowledge and understanding also forces upon us the responsibility to not harm our neighbors. As much as we may enjoy a fire, if it produces pollutants that harm our neighbors, it is our responsibility to move the fire to where our neighbors won't be harmed -- like large open parks, out in the country, or a campground away from civilization.
posted by Zarepheth
Outdoor wood boiler
We have a neighbor who can burn 3-5 cords of wood in a densely populated neighborhood. The stink fills the surrounding three homes and bothers maybe another 8-10 homes. This system supplies heat for his home and heats hot water..it used to heat his outdoor pool till city ordinance won't allow him to burn during the summer. He can burn Oct1 thru April. The smoke is rancid, smells like an outdoor fire that is smoldering or has just had water thrown on it to extinguish it. We had healthy, clean air before this boiler system was fired up...I'd like comments to maybe get the city council to regulate it more or only allow them in the country or where the owner has a certain amount of acreage or distances from neighbors. He has one neighbor who's house is within 100 feet of the smoke stack.
posted by bploushine
More..outdoor boiler
I didn't mention that the boiler burned for 180 consecutive days..24 hours a day. We live in suburb 30 miles from St Paul. The smoke is heavy, rancid and loaded with particulate. Why should I have to close my windows and not let my furnace pull in outside air...so he can heat his house and hot water.
posted by bploushine
NO FIRE PITS!!!
I hate the smell of a campfire in a city. It's inconsiderate air pollution. If you want to do it, you should have to get a permit or your should just go camping. Those people siting up several square blocks just so they can have a couple brews around a fire. And no, it's nothing like a fire in your fireplace. Chimneys ensure the smoke goes up and fireplaces are only used in the winter months when everyone has their windows shut.
posted by cartoonconn
Idiots!
The problem is not the increase in regulation... its the decrease (or total loss) of respect for others and accepting responsibility for your actions. A fire pit or outdoor wood boiler in a densely populated area is a problem because the smoke doesn't have space or air movement to adequately diffuse to levels that aren't a nuisance (or health risk, in some cases) to neighbors. Some posters are correct in that burning dry material under ideal conditions will provide a lower-particulate flue, which is less likely to bother neighbors, but still you need the air movement and room for diffusion. I'm so mad right now, I could spit!
posted by Juggernaut
We all have a right to comfortable living
Unless you suffer from asthma, you will never understand how dangerous it is to be breathing this smoke. I had a friend's parent die from asthma in her sleep, how would all you "fun" people feel about that consequence? If you want a campfire, go camping where people expect to smell them. And, as far as other sources being more of an environmental hazard, I cannot believe I'm hearing that in this day and time. We ALL need to do whatever we can to alleviate pollutants in our air - every step is a step in the right direction. Don't be selfish, be responsible.
posted by pruitttm
For the last 5 years I have called the Pollution Control Department of Minn., the police, the fire department, my Champlin City Councilman,and the Mayor.One of our neighbors were burning wet leaves. The other neighbors burn trash. One night, they were burning caustic materials. Our eyes were burning and my husband had to put on a mask. He was working in the garage. This same neighbor was burning something that was so strong, I had to go inside. I was planting flowers in my garden. I do have to close windows so my entire house does not reek. All of these Public Servants, told me that the neighbors were not breaking laws and there was NOT ANYTHING that they could do. But I told them they were burning illegal items. We have asked and asked them to quit burning. They start the fires in their pit and leave. I have called about unattended fires, but no one seems to care. When I enter into Champliin from another city, you can actually see the clouds of dirty smoke, and the smell is overpowering. I don't think We should have to breath in this terrible pollution. We have a right to breath clean air. However no one seems to take this seriously. I'm not a complainer, but when our health is in danger, I feel I have to try to stop this pollution
posted by KathyPeyer
City Officials Should Ban Backyard Burners
If I'm not mistaken, there has been a law against burning trash in the metro area for decades and these backyard firepit/burners seem to be a loophole on this law. It would be a good issue for the city councils of all metro areas to put on their agendas.
posted by Minnepeach19
Great if it didn't affect anyone else!
Unfortunately, burning is an activity that when engaged in by one neighbor may infringe on others. My mother has allergies and was sick with a severe headache for three days when a neighbor had a bonfire. Unfortunately, there is no way to keep the smoke just in the yard of those partaking. So, as much as people here want to make it about individual rights, it isn't about that. You can do whatever you choose in your own house/yard but when that activity affects others who are minding their own business in their own homes, you need to consider them. It's about being considerate to others! Something we need a little more of these days!
posted by karikd
My neighbors don't have any sense
I have asthma and my neighbor's fires do make me ill, especially because he burns garbage, yard waste, plastic, wet wood, etc. I keep my windows closed all summer but it still seeps in since the air conditioner has to take in air. When asked to stop or at least stop burning after midnight he tells me to call the police (which I will the next time). It's hard for nice people to understand that many peoples' neighbors are not nice and don't have sense.
posted by cloyd42
oops Hello all: To the firepit burners who are telling the recipients of their smoke pollution to "go inside and close their windows" A house is not hermetically sealed. There is always a certain amount of air leakage around even tightly-closed doors and windows. Within that air leakage are ultrafine particles (PM2.5) as well as significant amounts of carbon monoxide, from combustion. Indoor air pollution is a function of outdoor air pollution. When particulate levels rise outside, they rise inside too, to the extent that there can be up to 70% of the pollution indoors as there is outdoors.
posted by cleanair
Web master: Thank you for your comments on this story.
As more people enjoy sitting around the back-yard fire pit, some neighbors are up in arms over the health risks from the smoke. (excerpt)
By TOM MEERSMAN
Star Tribune-Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
October 12, 2008
Below are some comments from the StarTribune.com blog on the above story...
Did you all miss the health hazard and toxic chemicals?
Maybe I should just hold you all down and stuff a cigarette in your mouth if you like it so much. We live next to "burners", and have family members with asthma, and it's a real problem. There is a reason smoking is banned, this will hopefully follow suit. It is not a "mind your own business" deal when what they do directly affects others. If it was a construction site spewing dust particulates everywhere, you would all be against it.
posted by bluebird74
What in the world are you thinking?
Campfires are irritants when you are camping. Remember the challenge of getting out of the way the smoke is blowing? If you or your child has asthma, you simply cannot have campfires, even when camping. The toxins released are worse than standing behind the diesel bus. If you think that people don't burn illegal brush etc just because someone at their house picked up a free permit once, you are naive. If you choose to have a campfire when you are out away from civilization and everyone breathing the smoke and pollutants is a part of your group, you have my blessing. However, I do not agree with my neighbors having the right to make my yard uninhabitable every weekend all summer and fall. Houses are so close and wind will do what it will, but I could sit on their decks and not get the smoke because it is blowing from both of their fires to my deck, away from their houses. No, we live too close in the suburbs for this to continue.
posted by georgina17
My son has asthma and because I live between three neighbors who, by the way, moved in two years after me, love their fires--day and night. We've been to the hospital several times this past spring and summer with each visit costing $50 plus the additional cost for his medicine, of which we did not use as frequently until they moved in. My neighbors have been told in a very kind manner that my son has asthma, but that has not been a consideration for them--they just keep burning and my son keeps suffering. How nice, NOT! Regulations come in when people start to show no considerations for others which cancels out the "MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS" statement. Just be considerate. Burn less often so we all can enjoy the outdoors!
posted by AdrienneBTW
These fires are just like 2nd hand smoke
They are awful. They stink. It's just a moron or two per neighborhood that keep having these fires. This is a city, not a campground. Our houses are too close together. I hope they ban the fires.
posted by dgb04
Warm your backyard and the globe
Improving air quality is an on-going and uphill battle, and Campfires are a significant source of air pollution in Minneapolis that is totally avoidable. In fact, a campfire produces signifcantly more greenhouse gases than a car. Benzene, C02 and other harmful pollutants are all produced by outdoor recreational fires. According to some studies, a wood fire can emit as many fine particles into the air in nine hours as does a a mid-size automobile traveling 11,000 mile in one year. (http://www.eauquebec.com/air/chauf-bois/index-en.htm) Many progressive cities such as Seattle have limited or banned outdoor fires during poor air quality periods, and sometimes banned them altogether. With air quality concerns in Minneapolis, it seems like an issue the city should be taking seriously. posted by styopr
Rednecks wanting their "rights."
What part of asthma isn't serious to those of you touting the constitution? It is a real medical problem, as are other respiratory diseases. Should we all still be able to smoke in the break room at work or maybe on a plane? C'mon, those in the vicinity of the toxic smoke should just "get over it." Burn all the smoke you want in your own house, but when it is making mine stink, you've invaded MY rights. posted by bluebird74
I just got back from Beijing where everybody burns everything, and even in the country the air looks like a forest fire is in progress. Yes, smoke is bad for you.
posted by betty6114
No place for campfires in the city.
Campfires belong at campgrounds not in your densely populated neighborhood in the city...
posted by phishe
Your Rights End Where Mine Begin!
No one has a right to case hardship and harm to others, especially if it is for something as trivial as their personal amusement. Ban the backyard fires, fireplaces, and the charcoal grills too! It is time to bring Minnesota out of the stone age.
posted by RogK
Not a problem until very recently...
I wonder if this was not a problem in the past because the medical profession failed to recognize asthma and its causes -- so asthmatic children and adults simply died and no one understood that the smoke and pollutants killed them off.
Now we know and understand the condition, and have the means to minimize or even prevent the situations that would harm these people -- this knowledge and understanding also forces upon us the responsibility to not harm our neighbors. As much as we may enjoy a fire, if it produces pollutants that harm our neighbors, it is our responsibility to move the fire to where our neighbors won't be harmed -- like large open parks, out in the country, or a campground away from civilization.
posted by Zarepheth
Outdoor wood boiler
We have a neighbor who can burn 3-5 cords of wood in a densely populated neighborhood. The stink fills the surrounding three homes and bothers maybe another 8-10 homes. This system supplies heat for his home and heats hot water..it used to heat his outdoor pool till city ordinance won't allow him to burn during the summer. He can burn Oct1 thru April. The smoke is rancid, smells like an outdoor fire that is smoldering or has just had water thrown on it to extinguish it. We had healthy, clean air before this boiler system was fired up...I'd like comments to maybe get the city council to regulate it more or only allow them in the country or where the owner has a certain amount of acreage or distances from neighbors. He has one neighbor who's house is within 100 feet of the smoke stack.
posted by bploushine
More..outdoor boiler
I didn't mention that the boiler burned for 180 consecutive days..24 hours a day. We live in suburb 30 miles from St Paul. The smoke is heavy, rancid and loaded with particulate. Why should I have to close my windows and not let my furnace pull in outside air...so he can heat his house and hot water.
posted by bploushine
NO FIRE PITS!!!
I hate the smell of a campfire in a city. It's inconsiderate air pollution. If you want to do it, you should have to get a permit or your should just go camping. Those people siting up several square blocks just so they can have a couple brews around a fire. And no, it's nothing like a fire in your fireplace. Chimneys ensure the smoke goes up and fireplaces are only used in the winter months when everyone has their windows shut.
posted by cartoonconn
Idiots!
The problem is not the increase in regulation... its the decrease (or total loss) of respect for others and accepting responsibility for your actions. A fire pit or outdoor wood boiler in a densely populated area is a problem because the smoke doesn't have space or air movement to adequately diffuse to levels that aren't a nuisance (or health risk, in some cases) to neighbors. Some posters are correct in that burning dry material under ideal conditions will provide a lower-particulate flue, which is less likely to bother neighbors, but still you need the air movement and room for diffusion. I'm so mad right now, I could spit!
posted by Juggernaut
We all have a right to comfortable living
Unless you suffer from asthma, you will never understand how dangerous it is to be breathing this smoke. I had a friend's parent die from asthma in her sleep, how would all you "fun" people feel about that consequence? If you want a campfire, go camping where people expect to smell them. And, as far as other sources being more of an environmental hazard, I cannot believe I'm hearing that in this day and time. We ALL need to do whatever we can to alleviate pollutants in our air - every step is a step in the right direction. Don't be selfish, be responsible.
posted by pruitttm
For the last 5 years I have called the Pollution Control Department of Minn., the police, the fire department, my Champlin City Councilman,and the Mayor.One of our neighbors were burning wet leaves. The other neighbors burn trash. One night, they were burning caustic materials. Our eyes were burning and my husband had to put on a mask. He was working in the garage. This same neighbor was burning something that was so strong, I had to go inside. I was planting flowers in my garden. I do have to close windows so my entire house does not reek. All of these Public Servants, told me that the neighbors were not breaking laws and there was NOT ANYTHING that they could do. But I told them they were burning illegal items. We have asked and asked them to quit burning. They start the fires in their pit and leave. I have called about unattended fires, but no one seems to care. When I enter into Champliin from another city, you can actually see the clouds of dirty smoke, and the smell is overpowering. I don't think We should have to breath in this terrible pollution. We have a right to breath clean air. However no one seems to take this seriously. I'm not a complainer, but when our health is in danger, I feel I have to try to stop this pollution
posted by KathyPeyer
City Officials Should Ban Backyard Burners
If I'm not mistaken, there has been a law against burning trash in the metro area for decades and these backyard firepit/burners seem to be a loophole on this law. It would be a good issue for the city councils of all metro areas to put on their agendas.
posted by Minnepeach19
Great if it didn't affect anyone else!
Unfortunately, burning is an activity that when engaged in by one neighbor may infringe on others. My mother has allergies and was sick with a severe headache for three days when a neighbor had a bonfire. Unfortunately, there is no way to keep the smoke just in the yard of those partaking. So, as much as people here want to make it about individual rights, it isn't about that. You can do whatever you choose in your own house/yard but when that activity affects others who are minding their own business in their own homes, you need to consider them. It's about being considerate to others! Something we need a little more of these days!
posted by karikd
My neighbors don't have any sense
I have asthma and my neighbor's fires do make me ill, especially because he burns garbage, yard waste, plastic, wet wood, etc. I keep my windows closed all summer but it still seeps in since the air conditioner has to take in air. When asked to stop or at least stop burning after midnight he tells me to call the police (which I will the next time). It's hard for nice people to understand that many peoples' neighbors are not nice and don't have sense.
posted by cloyd42
oops Hello all: To the firepit burners who are telling the recipients of their smoke pollution to "go inside and close their windows" A house is not hermetically sealed. There is always a certain amount of air leakage around even tightly-closed doors and windows. Within that air leakage are ultrafine particles (PM2.5) as well as significant amounts of carbon monoxide, from combustion. Indoor air pollution is a function of outdoor air pollution. When particulate levels rise outside, they rise inside too, to the extent that there can be up to 70% of the pollution indoors as there is outdoors.
posted by cleanair
Web master: Thank you for your comments on this story.
American Lung Association Cautions Against Wood-burning
Friday, October 3, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C., (September 29, 2008) – As cooler temperatures begin to mark the beginning of fall, the American Lung Association warns that the comfort of a roaring fire can be harmful to your health and have a negative impact on both indoor and outdoor air quality. Burning wood emits harmful toxins and fine particles in the air that can worsen breathing problems and lead to heart and lung disease and even early death.
“With energy costs at an all time high, we are concerned about the potential impact the increased reliance on wood burning, particularly the use of wood stoves, might have on both the environment and the families who rely primarily on this method of home heating this winter,” said Bernadette Toomey President and CEO of the American Lung Association.
Wood smoke poses a special threat to people with asthma and COPD and should be actively avoided by those with lung disease. When possible, the American Lung Association strongly recommends using cleaner, less toxic sources of heat. Converting a wood-burning fireplace or stove to use either natural gas or propane will eliminate exposure to the dangerous toxins wood burning generates including dioxin, arsenic and formaldehyde.
“Wood stoves manufactured before 1995 should be replaced with one that is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency and that meets the stricter standards set by the State of Washington,” noted Toomey. “Vented natural gas or certified wood and pellet stoves are suitable replacements, as is installing an electric, natural gas or propane furnace.”
Although both natural gas and propane stoves are much cleaner than their wood-burning alternatives, these devices must be directly vented outside the home to reduce exposure to carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and other emissions produced by these energy sources. Advertising claims suggest otherwise, however the American Lung Association warns that gas and propane stoves can be a threat to any family’s health without proper outdoor ventilation.
When building a fire, the American Lung Association urges homeowners to take needed steps to build a cleaner fire to reduce the level of toxic emissions. Burn only100 percent untreated wood or manufactured fireplace logs. Wood should be purchased early in the year and be stored in a covered place for at least six months before use. This will allow the wood sufficient time to dry thoroughly and ultimately will burn more efficiently and will emit less pollution.
The American Lung Association also cautions against burning other materials such as colored paper, plastics, rubber and trash. These items generate more harmful chemicals, increased pollution and produce less heat than untreated wood or manufactured fireplace logs.
“It is also important to comply with local burn bans and to not burn wood or other materials during these times,” added Toomey. “Every single chimney and wood-burning stove can have an impact on the air quality in your home and in your community.”
The American Lung Association also advises home owners to be mindful of the weather. When air is cold and still, temperature inversions trap wood smoke and other pollutants close to the ground. Wood-burning should be avoided on hazy, windless days and nights.
About the American Lung Association: Beginning our second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates are currently increasing while other major causes of death are declining. The American Lung Association funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association is “Improving life, one breath at a time.” For more information about the American Lung Association, a Charity Navigator Four Star Charity, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872)
“With energy costs at an all time high, we are concerned about the potential impact the increased reliance on wood burning, particularly the use of wood stoves, might have on both the environment and the families who rely primarily on this method of home heating this winter,” said Bernadette Toomey President and CEO of the American Lung Association.
Wood smoke poses a special threat to people with asthma and COPD and should be actively avoided by those with lung disease. When possible, the American Lung Association strongly recommends using cleaner, less toxic sources of heat. Converting a wood-burning fireplace or stove to use either natural gas or propane will eliminate exposure to the dangerous toxins wood burning generates including dioxin, arsenic and formaldehyde.
“Wood stoves manufactured before 1995 should be replaced with one that is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency and that meets the stricter standards set by the State of Washington,” noted Toomey. “Vented natural gas or certified wood and pellet stoves are suitable replacements, as is installing an electric, natural gas or propane furnace.”
Although both natural gas and propane stoves are much cleaner than their wood-burning alternatives, these devices must be directly vented outside the home to reduce exposure to carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and other emissions produced by these energy sources. Advertising claims suggest otherwise, however the American Lung Association warns that gas and propane stoves can be a threat to any family’s health without proper outdoor ventilation.
When building a fire, the American Lung Association urges homeowners to take needed steps to build a cleaner fire to reduce the level of toxic emissions. Burn only100 percent untreated wood or manufactured fireplace logs. Wood should be purchased early in the year and be stored in a covered place for at least six months before use. This will allow the wood sufficient time to dry thoroughly and ultimately will burn more efficiently and will emit less pollution.
The American Lung Association also cautions against burning other materials such as colored paper, plastics, rubber and trash. These items generate more harmful chemicals, increased pollution and produce less heat than untreated wood or manufactured fireplace logs.
“It is also important to comply with local burn bans and to not burn wood or other materials during these times,” added Toomey. “Every single chimney and wood-burning stove can have an impact on the air quality in your home and in your community.”
The American Lung Association also advises home owners to be mindful of the weather. When air is cold and still, temperature inversions trap wood smoke and other pollutants close to the ground. Wood-burning should be avoided on hazy, windless days and nights.
About the American Lung Association: Beginning our second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates are currently increasing while other major causes of death are declining. The American Lung Association funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association is “Improving life, one breath at a time.” For more information about the American Lung Association, a Charity Navigator Four Star Charity, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872)
Wood Smoke---Not Greener---Letter to the Editor
Voice of the People
Letter to the Editor
Chicago Tribune Newspaper
October 2, 2008
Wood Smoke...Greener?
By holding up a person who uses a wood stove to heat his house as "Chicago's greenest person," the Tribune encourages behavior that would create an unmitigated public health disaster if widely adopted ("Chicago's green giant; Tempo went hunting for the Chicagoan who has the lowest carbon footprint; We found him: Ken Dunn, who rides his bike year-round, eats homegrown vegetables and otherwise leads a sustainable lifestyle," Tempo, Sept. 23).
Wood smoke is deadly. Encouraging the use of wood for home heating under the guise of "being green" will hurt hundreds of thousands of people with lung and heart conditions.
Much as it was 100 years ago, thousands of preventable deaths would occur if wood heating became widespread.
Brian Urbaszewski Director, Environmental Health Program, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago .
Web Master note--We were surprised that the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago (formerly known as the Chicago Lung Association) has finally acknowledged the wood smoke health crisis facing Chicago, Illinois, and the nation.
In the past, we contacted the Chicago, Illinois, and national American Lung Association regarding their efforts and plans to alert the public and elected officials about the deadly effects of wood smoke emissions. Their response was that wood smoke was not on their agenda and ignored our request for help on this issue. We appreciate Mr. Urbaszewski’s letter. Maybe the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society will finally join us in our efforts to improve the quality of life of millions, and help prevent the lives of hundreds of thousands being destroyed by wood smoke emissions. We can only hope!
Letter to the Editor
Chicago Tribune Newspaper
October 2, 2008
Wood Smoke...Greener?
By holding up a person who uses a wood stove to heat his house as "Chicago's greenest person," the Tribune encourages behavior that would create an unmitigated public health disaster if widely adopted ("Chicago's green giant; Tempo went hunting for the Chicagoan who has the lowest carbon footprint; We found him: Ken Dunn, who rides his bike year-round, eats homegrown vegetables and otherwise leads a sustainable lifestyle," Tempo, Sept. 23).
Wood smoke is deadly. Encouraging the use of wood for home heating under the guise of "being green" will hurt hundreds of thousands of people with lung and heart conditions.
Much as it was 100 years ago, thousands of preventable deaths would occur if wood heating became widespread.
Brian Urbaszewski Director, Environmental Health Program, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago .
Web Master note--We were surprised that the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago (formerly known as the Chicago Lung Association) has finally acknowledged the wood smoke health crisis facing Chicago, Illinois, and the nation.
In the past, we contacted the Chicago, Illinois, and national American Lung Association regarding their efforts and plans to alert the public and elected officials about the deadly effects of wood smoke emissions. Their response was that wood smoke was not on their agenda and ignored our request for help on this issue. We appreciate Mr. Urbaszewski’s letter. Maybe the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society will finally join us in our efforts to improve the quality of life of millions, and help prevent the lives of hundreds of thousands being destroyed by wood smoke emissions. We can only hope!
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