A Mother's Plea

A Mother’s Plea
March 10, 2009

Dear Environment Enhancement Committee Members,

Recently my daughter was diagnosed with cancer; the third episode within a decade.
She has an active life which includes plenty of fresh air and exercise, wholesome foods and she is not dependent on cigarettes or alcohol. She occupies an apartment in New Westminster and since she is a firm believer in fresh air, a window is always open.

During most of my visits during Fall, Winter or Spring, I was aware of a smoke smell which I compared to that of burning wood fireplaces so during my presence the windows would be closed because I had become sensitive to wood smoke.

About 7 months ago I decided to do research as to the harmful effects of fireplace smoke emissions on people’s health. Reading the information provided by UBC and BC Lung Association I learned that fireplace smoke does contain more than 100 chemicals and numerous toxic substances which are linked to many diseases including cancer.

Also, thickening of the blood vessels that are a risk factor to stroke and heart attacks. It also increases the rate of ear infection and even short term exposure shows increased incidence of cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm).

A study on lab animals suggests that prolonged exposure to wood smoke may weaken the immune system and I ask ―Is that the reason for the multitude of allergy sufferers? And, in my daughter’s case, is she a cancer victim because of wood smoke exposure for 23 years from neighbouring fireplaces?

It is my understanding that these toxic substances do penetrate dwellings even with windows closed and put people at risk.

Upon contacting the Environmental Enhancement Committee of my municipality, Port Coquitlam, I was informed that a regional approach is preferred.

Up to now Metro Vancouver has not been successful in convincing the public of the harmful effects on people’s health from Wood Burning and is still trying to educate them. A stove exchange program is in force. I do understand this to be necessary for individuals who are dependent on wood as their only source of fuel. But, in our highly populated Metro Vancouver area where weather conditions are not exactly of a 5 star rating, I feel that it would be in the best interest of all living and breathing beings to simply ban the use of Wood Burning.

Authorities will just have to take a stand on this issue, and put their foot down, so to speak.

As I have been in contact with our federal and provincial Government on this issue, their reply to me was, that it falls under the jurisdiction of municipalities.
I am aware that toxins from wood burning are only part of the pollution problem, but it is that part which is easily cleared up. It will not have a negative effect on the economy either, and wood burning fireplaces can be easily replaced by a Gas burning one.

Banning Wood Burning Fireplaces should not be looked upon as taking away someone’s privilege to enjoy a roaring fire, but to be considered as an improvement of our air quality. That is, what all of us are striving to achieve, correct?

Will you therefore please join me and seriously consider the positive effect a ban on Wood Burning Fireplaces will have on people’s health and no longer will harm any ones child! A mother’s heart thanks you!

Brie Oishi
Port Coquitlam, B.C.

From----The Wood Smoke Activist
December Newsletter
Educating the world about the health and climate impacts of wood smoke and combustion aerosols.
Editor: Shirley Brandie
12/1/2009