Letter to the Editor
Tasmanian Times
1-31-11
Fighting For Fresh Air
Fighting for fresh air isn’t anything you would imagine millions would face each day in our Canadian communities. Yet, sadly that is what we do. Each day families face the toxic assault from Woodsmoke pollution in their community. Children and adults struggle daily to breathe air that is permeated and saturated with Woodsmoke emissions. The toxic cancer causing chemicals found in Woodsmoke are in the most minuscule of crevices in every home. You cannot keep Woodsmoke from entering your home. Millions suffer, many become ill and die from Woodsmoke.
In the past people also fought for their right and common decency to breathe healthy air-tobacco-smoke free. Proponents of the tobacco industry encouraged millions to smoke. The tragic results were that millions died. The legacy left behind were millions who suffered from Cancer, COPD and other tobacco related smoking diseases. We are greatly indebted to the caring souls who fought for the rights of others to see that tobacco smoking was prohibited in schools, restaurants, hospitals, planes, parks, playgrounds, and vehicles that had children in them and other venues. Millions of lives have been saved. But sadly, bans came too late for millions and millions who died.
A powerful quote from Mahatma Gandhi describes the strength it took for those who so valiantly fought for each of us to have the right to breathe air free of Tobacco smoke. “First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win”. The wise words from Mahatma Gandhi are filled with truth, courage and inspiration. These words described what activists faced then fighting for Tobacco Bans and what people face now for Woodsmoke-free air to breathe and banning Woodsmoke.
World-renowned Scientists and Doctors concur that Woodsmoke Pollution is killing us and is linked to Asthma, Cancer, COPD, SIDS, Cardiovascular, Cardiopulmonary and other diseases. Those who know the daily struggle of trying to breathe Woodsmoke filled air know that we too are being ignored. We too are being ridiculed. We too are being attacked. But, what we know is that we too will win this battle, just as it was won with Tobacco smoke being banned everywhere.
Communities across Canada must become informed, educated and concerned about the grave danger of Toxic Woodsmoke Pollution. Our leaders must recognize that ridicule is borne from ignorance and intolerance. Our leaders must adopt by-laws to ban all outdoor open air burning in every Province. Regulations must be implemented to phase out the use of all Woodburning stoves, Woodburning fireplaces, OWBs (outdoor woodboilers) and pellet stoves. New home building codes must exclude all Woodburning devices.
Fighting for fresh air must become part of our past. Being able to breathe healthy air-Woodsmoke-free must become our future. Take action today to ban Woodsmoke. Speak up. Follow the wise words of Gandhi: We will be ignored…but not for long! We will be ridiculed…but not for long! We will be assaulted…but not for long! But then, we will win!
Linda Beaudin
Cornwall, Ontario
Canada
Source:
Tasmanian Times.com
1-31-11
Hearts and Hearth....A Deadly Combination
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Hearts and Hearth....A Deadly Combination
Letters to the Editor
Simcoe Reformer
Hearts and Hearth are a deadly combination. As we acknowledge the importance of February as Heart Month, we are made aware of the role that our environment plays in our heart health. Scientists and Doctors world wide concur that Wood smoke pollution has a grave impact in relationship to our heart health. Wood burning stoves, Wood burning fireplaces, OWBS, pellet stoves, all outdoor open air burning and biomass burning are a threat to our heart.
Millions in Canada suffer from heart disease. Breathing fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can very quickly affect the rhythm of our heart. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation “Short and long-term exposure to air pollution are estimated to have resulted in 21,000 premature deaths in Canada in 2008 as well as 11,000 hospital admissions.”
“Heart attacks, heart failure and stroke make up an estimated 42 to 69% of deaths and 60% of the hospital admissions linked to poor air quality.”
“When we breathe, we inhale air pollution particles that are carried to the lungs where, says Heart and Stroke Foundation researcher Dr. Stephan van Eeden, they induce inflammation in the lung tissues. This inflammation spills over into the bloodstream and inflames blood vessels, which allows cholesterol and other substances to easily build up, a condition known as atherosclerosis—one of the main causes of heart attacks and stroke”
Wood smoke emissions from residential chimneys and all Wood burning contribute to the polluted air that gravely affects our heart health making millions suffer, become ill and die from Wood smoke related heart disease. Everyone suffers from breathing Wood smoke
Make this February the month you become informed about the deadly toxins found in Wood smoke. Make this the month that you wisely take action to inform and educate others about the grave dangers that Wood smoke pollution plays in your community.
We only have one heart. Why allow Wood smoke Pollution to destroy its perfect performance? We should not. By prohibiting all Wood burning in our communities we can assure that we will live longer, have healthier hearts and enjoy a better quality of life.
Hearts and Hearth are a deadly combination. Protect your heart by breathing healthy air—Wood smoke-free. What better time to take action to ban all Wood smoke than the month of February…Heart Month.
By Linda Baker Beaudin
Air Is Precious
Source: Simcoe Reformer
50 Gilbertson Drive
Simcoe
N3Y 4L2
Webmaster: Ban all woodsmoke. Do that for yourself...and for your heart!
Letters to the Editor
Simcoe Reformer
Hearts and Hearth are a deadly combination. As we acknowledge the importance of February as Heart Month, we are made aware of the role that our environment plays in our heart health. Scientists and Doctors world wide concur that Wood smoke pollution has a grave impact in relationship to our heart health. Wood burning stoves, Wood burning fireplaces, OWBS, pellet stoves, all outdoor open air burning and biomass burning are a threat to our heart.
Millions in Canada suffer from heart disease. Breathing fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can very quickly affect the rhythm of our heart. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation “Short and long-term exposure to air pollution are estimated to have resulted in 21,000 premature deaths in Canada in 2008 as well as 11,000 hospital admissions.”
“Heart attacks, heart failure and stroke make up an estimated 42 to 69% of deaths and 60% of the hospital admissions linked to poor air quality.”
“When we breathe, we inhale air pollution particles that are carried to the lungs where, says Heart and Stroke Foundation researcher Dr. Stephan van Eeden, they induce inflammation in the lung tissues. This inflammation spills over into the bloodstream and inflames blood vessels, which allows cholesterol and other substances to easily build up, a condition known as atherosclerosis—one of the main causes of heart attacks and stroke”
Wood smoke emissions from residential chimneys and all Wood burning contribute to the polluted air that gravely affects our heart health making millions suffer, become ill and die from Wood smoke related heart disease. Everyone suffers from breathing Wood smoke
Make this February the month you become informed about the deadly toxins found in Wood smoke. Make this the month that you wisely take action to inform and educate others about the grave dangers that Wood smoke pollution plays in your community.
We only have one heart. Why allow Wood smoke Pollution to destroy its perfect performance? We should not. By prohibiting all Wood burning in our communities we can assure that we will live longer, have healthier hearts and enjoy a better quality of life.
Hearts and Hearth are a deadly combination. Protect your heart by breathing healthy air—Wood smoke-free. What better time to take action to ban all Wood smoke than the month of February…Heart Month.
By Linda Baker Beaudin
Air Is Precious
Source: Simcoe Reformer
50 Gilbertson Drive
Simcoe
N3Y 4L2
Webmaster: Ban all woodsmoke. Do that for yourself...and for your heart!
City has responsibility to protect residents
Monday, January 24, 2011
City has responsibility to protect residents
Letter to the Editor
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Lethbridge Herald
Regarding the Jan. 16 letter, "Base wood smoke argument on local numbers" as with issues like second-hand tobacco smoke and food allergies, perhaps Mr. Forster might consider, with some compassion, people who are at risk.
Wood burning does present a threat to the environment and public health, and wood smoke impacts individuals nearby directly, as smoking does in public spaces. Information on the health effects of wood smoke is available from the Lung Association, the Washington State Dept. of Ecology, and similar authorities.
From the first time I heard my daughter coughing late at night because of a wood fire pit, I knew that should not be part of urban life. My children have each had allergic reactions triggered by neighbourhood smoke, and last winter it gave them burning eyes, irritated, stuffy sinuses, frequent sore throats and coughs and me, a pained chest and terrible, chronic cough. Sometimes two or more neighbourhood chimneys were smoking at once.
We've so appreciated how much better neighbourhood air has been this winter. But on this Monday morning (Jan. 17), we awoke to find smoke blowing in through our registers.
In response to my Nov. 11 letter, a resident phoned to tell me about smoke in their neighbourhood, and said at that time that informing the city had not helped.
No one should ever be forced to breathe neighbourhood wood smoke: not one adult, young or elderly; not one vulnerable growing child. I believe that locally this is not an issue of numbers or of lengthy data collection, but of the city's responsibility to protect residents from harm.
Wood smoke contains harmful compounds and gases, and large amounts of particulate matter. The fine particles cannot be kept outside. Once inhaled, they penetrate deeply into the lungs, where they can injure cells, worsen heart or breathing problems, and may cause permanent damage to lungs. Those are not opinions; they are documented facts.
Cities already have enough pollution, and less-polluting alternatives to wood fires are available. I sincerely hope there is at least one present or future city council member who would advocate protecting clean air, by helping Lethbridge to become wood-smoke free.
Cathy Baiton
Lethbridge
Source:
Lethbridge Herald
Alberta, Canada
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Webmaster: Yes. A by-law to prohibit/ban all wood burning is needed...and soon.
Letter to the Editor
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Lethbridge Herald
Regarding the Jan. 16 letter, "Base wood smoke argument on local numbers" as with issues like second-hand tobacco smoke and food allergies, perhaps Mr. Forster might consider, with some compassion, people who are at risk.
Wood burning does present a threat to the environment and public health, and wood smoke impacts individuals nearby directly, as smoking does in public spaces. Information on the health effects of wood smoke is available from the Lung Association, the Washington State Dept. of Ecology, and similar authorities.
From the first time I heard my daughter coughing late at night because of a wood fire pit, I knew that should not be part of urban life. My children have each had allergic reactions triggered by neighbourhood smoke, and last winter it gave them burning eyes, irritated, stuffy sinuses, frequent sore throats and coughs and me, a pained chest and terrible, chronic cough. Sometimes two or more neighbourhood chimneys were smoking at once.
We've so appreciated how much better neighbourhood air has been this winter. But on this Monday morning (Jan. 17), we awoke to find smoke blowing in through our registers.
In response to my Nov. 11 letter, a resident phoned to tell me about smoke in their neighbourhood, and said at that time that informing the city had not helped.
No one should ever be forced to breathe neighbourhood wood smoke: not one adult, young or elderly; not one vulnerable growing child. I believe that locally this is not an issue of numbers or of lengthy data collection, but of the city's responsibility to protect residents from harm.
Wood smoke contains harmful compounds and gases, and large amounts of particulate matter. The fine particles cannot be kept outside. Once inhaled, they penetrate deeply into the lungs, where they can injure cells, worsen heart or breathing problems, and may cause permanent damage to lungs. Those are not opinions; they are documented facts.
Cities already have enough pollution, and less-polluting alternatives to wood fires are available. I sincerely hope there is at least one present or future city council member who would advocate protecting clean air, by helping Lethbridge to become wood-smoke free.
Cathy Baiton
Lethbridge
Source:
Lethbridge Herald
Alberta, Canada
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Webmaster: Yes. A by-law to prohibit/ban all wood burning is needed...and soon.
Grief of Time Lost----Poem----Anonymous
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Grief of Time Lost
Heavy hearted and filled with toxic Woodsmoke
The small weakened child began to choke
The days grew long and the sky was grey
The weakened child could not play
He watched from inside looking out
He could not call, he could not shout
His lungs were filled with the heavy smoke
His lungs were filled as he began to choke
The darkened sky and the Mothers tears
Confirmed the worst of any Mothers fears
Her child was dying from smothering smoke
Her child had suffered from deadly Woodsmoke
It filled all the cities and it filled all the towns
It filled all the rooms and amused all the clowns
Who doubted and laughed and mocked and denied
The horror, the sorrow of all the sad cries
That echoed so deeply from mountain to vale
That left all the people dead in its trail
Of the deadly dark plumes and the toxins that filled
All the suffering and sorrow and all those it killed
Grief of time lost never again to be found
Not in life, not in death, not in tears, and not on the mound
Of the child that was buried on the sorrow filled day
Oh the child, sweet child that died in that May
And the trees bowed in reverence to pay their respect
For the child that died from the leaders neglect
But the Woodsmoke continued to cover the towns
The Woodsmoke brought death and sorrow and frowns
More children were buried and more parents did weep
They mourned in the daytime and they mourned in their sleep
But the Woodsmoke continued and the clowns they did dance
Till the Reverend came forth from his home in the Manse
And pleaded with leaders to end all the hell
So children could laugh and so children could yell
So children could play and love and live life
Free of suffering from Woodsmoke and all the strife
Oh think of the children and his eyes filled with tears
And he raged with anger and his soul filled with fear
If you do not stop this and end all of this smoke
More children will die and more children will choke
The clowns hung their heads and considered his thought
But we want the money and we can be bought
For a price and a slice of the cake or the pie
Then they turned their backs and avoided his eyes
And the raven stood silent and bluebird did weep
No Robin called and no sweet sparrow cheeped.
The rain fell from the sky like a soul in despair
And the Reverend was saddened by the smoke in the air
That had killed all the children and taken their life
While the clowns neglected Father, Child and wife
And the silence was deafening without the bird call
No children did skip, or play with a ball
Their bodies were weakened and filled with such pain
While the clowns counted money and added their gains
Oh the sorrow and grief of time lost now becomes clear
That life has no value to the clowns and their peers
The greed filled their pockets and their laugher was heard
No sorrow, no sadness, no repentance or word
And the tall willows did weep and the wings did not flutter
No joy filled the hearts and no sweet songs were uttered
The birds flocked at the graves and bowed their sweet heads
To honor the living but pay respect to the dead
The world became silent without the sound of birdcall
The world became silent as each child did fall
To their death from the Woodsmoke and such sad neglect
No sorrow, no protection and not even respect
But in time the clowns toppled each one by one
And the gains they had made were burned by the sun
The fires that raged all out of control, no trees could be found
No birds and no souls
The greed and the sorrow and grief of time lost
All mankind did pay and oh what a cost.
Anonymous
Webmaster...The writer of the above sincere, caring, and oh so true poem wishes to remain anonymous. We thank the writer for this heartfelt and beautiful poem.
Elected officials and leaders in our towns and communities need to adopt laws to ban woodsmoke to save our children, and ourself too. We also should speak-up and take action to end the horror and death caused by woodsmoke where we live. If not, the legacy we leave will be that we let others harm and kill our children, and we did nothing. Is that the legacy you want? Don't be passive about ending woodsmoke. If we do nothing, as the poem above says...."All mankind did pay and oh what a cost".......our children!
Heavy hearted and filled with toxic Woodsmoke
The small weakened child began to choke
The days grew long and the sky was grey
The weakened child could not play
He watched from inside looking out
He could not call, he could not shout
His lungs were filled with the heavy smoke
His lungs were filled as he began to choke
The darkened sky and the Mothers tears
Confirmed the worst of any Mothers fears
Her child was dying from smothering smoke
Her child had suffered from deadly Woodsmoke
It filled all the cities and it filled all the towns
It filled all the rooms and amused all the clowns
Who doubted and laughed and mocked and denied
The horror, the sorrow of all the sad cries
That echoed so deeply from mountain to vale
That left all the people dead in its trail
Of the deadly dark plumes and the toxins that filled
All the suffering and sorrow and all those it killed
Grief of time lost never again to be found
Not in life, not in death, not in tears, and not on the mound
Of the child that was buried on the sorrow filled day
Oh the child, sweet child that died in that May
And the trees bowed in reverence to pay their respect
For the child that died from the leaders neglect
But the Woodsmoke continued to cover the towns
The Woodsmoke brought death and sorrow and frowns
More children were buried and more parents did weep
They mourned in the daytime and they mourned in their sleep
But the Woodsmoke continued and the clowns they did dance
Till the Reverend came forth from his home in the Manse
And pleaded with leaders to end all the hell
So children could laugh and so children could yell
So children could play and love and live life
Free of suffering from Woodsmoke and all the strife
Oh think of the children and his eyes filled with tears
And he raged with anger and his soul filled with fear
If you do not stop this and end all of this smoke
More children will die and more children will choke
The clowns hung their heads and considered his thought
But we want the money and we can be bought
For a price and a slice of the cake or the pie
Then they turned their backs and avoided his eyes
And the raven stood silent and bluebird did weep
No Robin called and no sweet sparrow cheeped.
The rain fell from the sky like a soul in despair
And the Reverend was saddened by the smoke in the air
That had killed all the children and taken their life
While the clowns neglected Father, Child and wife
And the silence was deafening without the bird call
No children did skip, or play with a ball
Their bodies were weakened and filled with such pain
While the clowns counted money and added their gains
Oh the sorrow and grief of time lost now becomes clear
That life has no value to the clowns and their peers
The greed filled their pockets and their laugher was heard
No sorrow, no sadness, no repentance or word
And the tall willows did weep and the wings did not flutter
No joy filled the hearts and no sweet songs were uttered
The birds flocked at the graves and bowed their sweet heads
To honor the living but pay respect to the dead
The world became silent without the sound of birdcall
The world became silent as each child did fall
To their death from the Woodsmoke and such sad neglect
No sorrow, no protection and not even respect
But in time the clowns toppled each one by one
And the gains they had made were burned by the sun
The fires that raged all out of control, no trees could be found
No birds and no souls
The greed and the sorrow and grief of time lost
All mankind did pay and oh what a cost.
Anonymous
Webmaster...The writer of the above sincere, caring, and oh so true poem wishes to remain anonymous. We thank the writer for this heartfelt and beautiful poem.
Elected officials and leaders in our towns and communities need to adopt laws to ban woodsmoke to save our children, and ourself too. We also should speak-up and take action to end the horror and death caused by woodsmoke where we live. If not, the legacy we leave will be that we let others harm and kill our children, and we did nothing. Is that the legacy you want? Don't be passive about ending woodsmoke. If we do nothing, as the poem above says...."All mankind did pay and oh what a cost".......our children!
Outdoor wood-burning stoves are unhealthy to public
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Outdoor wood-burning stoves are unhealthy to public
By By NANCY ALDERMAN
Norwich Bulletin
Posted Jan 12, 2011
Although New York has tried to get outdoor wood furnaces under control, its new regulations will not protect people who live in the vicinity of one.
The newer phase II units have not gone through field testing, and only the industry is claiming that they burn 90 percent cleaner. Environment and Human Health Inc., a nonprofit organization that receives no funding from business or corporations, has monitored the inside air of homes near outdoor wood furnaces and found that homes as far away as 850 feet have wood smoke levels way above Environmental Protection Agency standards.
So far, only Washington state has banned outdoor wood furnaces. It’s now time for other states, such as Connecticut, to follow. If people’s health and property values are to be protected, then a ban must be enacted.
The Farm Bureau fights regulations in every state so farmers can save a few thousand dollars on heating bills. But neighbors lose the entire value of their homes and their health. Outdoor wood furnaces emit as much smoke as 22 indoor wood stoves. Outdoor wood furnaces are not certified by EPA. Indoor wood stoves are.
New York’s new regulations require that units be 90 percent cleaner, but that does not apply to those already in existence. So, 90 percent clearner than what?
The industry claims phase II units are 90 percent cleaner than the old ones, but these newer units have never been tested in the field and people living near them say they’re almost as polluting as the old ones. The technology is the same — and it’s flawed.
Exposures of two hours or more — peak exposure — is enough to cause serious health effects. The 90-percent-cleaner claim is based on a 24-hour average, not peak exposure, which causes the greatest harm. The industry’s 90-percent-cleaner claim will not bring those peak exposures down to levels that will protect health or home values.
Not enough
New York requires only a 100-foot setback. Smoke from these furnaces, whether new or old, forms in a plume up to 1,000 feet — and sometimes a half mile. One hundred feet will in no way protect neighbors.
New York established stack-height requirements, but it doesn’t matter how high because the wood smoke that comes out of the stack falls toward the ground.
New York mandates “only good wood” can be used. Burning even the best and driest wood in the world will still give off toxic emissions. This is like saying when you smoke a cigarette, be sure to use “only good, dry and clean tobacco” as if that would keep the cigarette smoke from being toxic.
When an agency tries to regulate a product that is harmful, the agency often tries to please both the industry and the public. When this happens, too often, the public good is sacrificed.
These devices do not lend themselves to regulation. They must be banned until better technologies are found — and they have not yet been found.
Nancy Alderman is president of Environment and Human Health Inc. in North Haven.
Copyright 2011 Norwich Bulletin. Some rights reserved
By By NANCY ALDERMAN
Norwich Bulletin
Posted Jan 12, 2011
Although New York has tried to get outdoor wood furnaces under control, its new regulations will not protect people who live in the vicinity of one.
The newer phase II units have not gone through field testing, and only the industry is claiming that they burn 90 percent cleaner. Environment and Human Health Inc., a nonprofit organization that receives no funding from business or corporations, has monitored the inside air of homes near outdoor wood furnaces and found that homes as far away as 850 feet have wood smoke levels way above Environmental Protection Agency standards.
So far, only Washington state has banned outdoor wood furnaces. It’s now time for other states, such as Connecticut, to follow. If people’s health and property values are to be protected, then a ban must be enacted.
The Farm Bureau fights regulations in every state so farmers can save a few thousand dollars on heating bills. But neighbors lose the entire value of their homes and their health. Outdoor wood furnaces emit as much smoke as 22 indoor wood stoves. Outdoor wood furnaces are not certified by EPA. Indoor wood stoves are.
New York’s new regulations require that units be 90 percent cleaner, but that does not apply to those already in existence. So, 90 percent clearner than what?
The industry claims phase II units are 90 percent cleaner than the old ones, but these newer units have never been tested in the field and people living near them say they’re almost as polluting as the old ones. The technology is the same — and it’s flawed.
Exposures of two hours or more — peak exposure — is enough to cause serious health effects. The 90-percent-cleaner claim is based on a 24-hour average, not peak exposure, which causes the greatest harm. The industry’s 90-percent-cleaner claim will not bring those peak exposures down to levels that will protect health or home values.
Not enough
New York requires only a 100-foot setback. Smoke from these furnaces, whether new or old, forms in a plume up to 1,000 feet — and sometimes a half mile. One hundred feet will in no way protect neighbors.
New York established stack-height requirements, but it doesn’t matter how high because the wood smoke that comes out of the stack falls toward the ground.
New York mandates “only good wood” can be used. Burning even the best and driest wood in the world will still give off toxic emissions. This is like saying when you smoke a cigarette, be sure to use “only good, dry and clean tobacco” as if that would keep the cigarette smoke from being toxic.
When an agency tries to regulate a product that is harmful, the agency often tries to please both the industry and the public. When this happens, too often, the public good is sacrificed.
These devices do not lend themselves to regulation. They must be banned until better technologies are found — and they have not yet been found.
Nancy Alderman is president of Environment and Human Health Inc. in North Haven.
Copyright 2011 Norwich Bulletin. Some rights reserved
Clean Air: Just What the Dr. Ordered
Friday, January 14, 2011
Clean Air: Just What the Dr. Ordered
What is the U.S government doing to stop air pollution?
Post by Woodnyet » Fri Dec 10, 2010
Source: BurningIssues.org
Public health and medical organizations are urging Congress to support the experts at the US Environmental Protection Agency who are working to update the safeguards that protect public health from pollution, and to resist pressure from polluters trying to stop them.
Visit NRDCs Switchboard BlogA letter signed by the American Lung Association, the American Public Health Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and nearly 300 other organizations outlined that while the EPA has been successful at protecting Americans' health, there is more to do:
Forty years ago, Congressional leaders from both parties wrote and passed the Clean Air Act. This law directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect public health and the environment. Since then this wise congressional legacy has saved lives and improved the quality of life for millions of Americans.
But the job is not yet done. Far too many of our communities still suffer from poor air quality. Too many families, particularly those of lower income, face the impacts of toxic air pollution every day. And far too many of our nation’s children, elderly, and people with asthma, cardiovascular and lung diseases and diabetes live under added threats to their health from breathing polluted air and the impacts of global warming.
And continues:
Over the coming years the EPA will be fulfilling its duty to reduce the smog and soot pollution, air toxics, and global warming pollution that are the cause of these public health threats. We urge you to fully support the EPA in fulfilling this responsibility. Doing so is quite literally a matter of life and death for tens of thousands of people and will mean the difference between chronic debilitating illness or a healthy life for hundreds of thousands more.
The groups also rolled out a new ad campaign for hill publications, reinforcing the central message of the letter. You can see the ad here. The pressure from health groups is in response to polluter efforts to halt creation of new air pollution safeguards.
As Charles D. Connor, President and CEO of the American Lung Association said, “We urge members of Congress to reject the pleas from polluters and continue to support the Act and the EPA’s ability to protect the air we breathe.”
Now, what exactly are the polluters trying to do? Persuade Congress that this is all just expensive, pointless rule-making that will cost the government money and kill jobs. The Edison Electric Institute has been presenting the new safeguards as a complicated and frightening parade of regulatory over-reach; but the World Resources Institute blew that to pieces with a powerful analysis that you can find here.
And the US Chamber of Commerce went the way of kindergartners with a knock-off of the game Candyland to show how awful protecting public health would be for business. And I've blogged on some of the other efforts by polluters to hold back the EPA.
Fortunately, our nation’s leading health organizations are reminding us what's at stake. As Cynthia Bearer, MD, PhD, Board Chair of the Children's Environmental Health Network says
"Children are especially vulnerable to harm from polluted air. Air pollutants have been linked to asthma attacks, infant mortality, and even DNA damage to the fetus. Dirty air can be, quite literally, a killer."
What's the bottom line? As O. Marion Burton, MD, FAAP and president of the American Academy of Pediatrics put it,
"There is a compelling need to move forward, not back, on efforts to ensure clean air for all."
There you have it, Congress: Uphold the Clean Air Act. Doctors' orders.
source
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pete-altm ... 94168.html
The Surgeon General has determined that there is no safe level of ambient smoke.
If you smell even a subtle odor of smoke, you are being exposed to poisonous and carcinogenic compounds.
Join us in the fight for smoke-free neighborhoods. Your family's health and safety are at stake!
Source: BurningIssues.org
http://burningissues.org/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=4019#p9983
Webmaster: Readers----Please go to the BurningIssues website for more information. This website is great.
Let's ban all woodsmoke!
What is the U.S government doing to stop air pollution?
Post by Woodnyet » Fri Dec 10, 2010
Source: BurningIssues.org
Public health and medical organizations are urging Congress to support the experts at the US Environmental Protection Agency who are working to update the safeguards that protect public health from pollution, and to resist pressure from polluters trying to stop them.
Visit NRDCs Switchboard BlogA letter signed by the American Lung Association, the American Public Health Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and nearly 300 other organizations outlined that while the EPA has been successful at protecting Americans' health, there is more to do:
Forty years ago, Congressional leaders from both parties wrote and passed the Clean Air Act. This law directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect public health and the environment. Since then this wise congressional legacy has saved lives and improved the quality of life for millions of Americans.
But the job is not yet done. Far too many of our communities still suffer from poor air quality. Too many families, particularly those of lower income, face the impacts of toxic air pollution every day. And far too many of our nation’s children, elderly, and people with asthma, cardiovascular and lung diseases and diabetes live under added threats to their health from breathing polluted air and the impacts of global warming.
And continues:
Over the coming years the EPA will be fulfilling its duty to reduce the smog and soot pollution, air toxics, and global warming pollution that are the cause of these public health threats. We urge you to fully support the EPA in fulfilling this responsibility. Doing so is quite literally a matter of life and death for tens of thousands of people and will mean the difference between chronic debilitating illness or a healthy life for hundreds of thousands more.
The groups also rolled out a new ad campaign for hill publications, reinforcing the central message of the letter. You can see the ad here. The pressure from health groups is in response to polluter efforts to halt creation of new air pollution safeguards.
As Charles D. Connor, President and CEO of the American Lung Association said, “We urge members of Congress to reject the pleas from polluters and continue to support the Act and the EPA’s ability to protect the air we breathe.”
Now, what exactly are the polluters trying to do? Persuade Congress that this is all just expensive, pointless rule-making that will cost the government money and kill jobs. The Edison Electric Institute has been presenting the new safeguards as a complicated and frightening parade of regulatory over-reach; but the World Resources Institute blew that to pieces with a powerful analysis that you can find here.
And the US Chamber of Commerce went the way of kindergartners with a knock-off of the game Candyland to show how awful protecting public health would be for business. And I've blogged on some of the other efforts by polluters to hold back the EPA.
Fortunately, our nation’s leading health organizations are reminding us what's at stake. As Cynthia Bearer, MD, PhD, Board Chair of the Children's Environmental Health Network says
"Children are especially vulnerable to harm from polluted air. Air pollutants have been linked to asthma attacks, infant mortality, and even DNA damage to the fetus. Dirty air can be, quite literally, a killer."
What's the bottom line? As O. Marion Burton, MD, FAAP and president of the American Academy of Pediatrics put it,
"There is a compelling need to move forward, not back, on efforts to ensure clean air for all."
There you have it, Congress: Uphold the Clean Air Act. Doctors' orders.
source
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pete-altm ... 94168.html
The Surgeon General has determined that there is no safe level of ambient smoke.
If you smell even a subtle odor of smoke, you are being exposed to poisonous and carcinogenic compounds.
Join us in the fight for smoke-free neighborhoods. Your family's health and safety are at stake!
Source: BurningIssues.org
http://burningissues.org/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=4019#p9983
Webmaster: Readers----Please go to the BurningIssues website for more information. This website is great.
Let's ban all woodsmoke!
Other cities taking action against wood smoke
Monday, January 10, 2011
OTHER CITIES TAKING ACTION AGAINST WOOD SMOKE
Saturday, 08 January 2011
Letter to the Editor
Lethbridge Herald
Alberta, Canada
Mr. Pushor (Nov. 24) and Mr. Forster (Dec. 18), have criticized the idea that the city should ensure everyone's right to breathe fresh, wood smoke-free air, in and around their own homes. But as Robert Smith's Dec. 4 letter points out, "It is a public health issue, just like smoking."
Dr. Mark Miller of Chico, Calif., in a news article on residential wood smoke, suggests that people should care about air quality, "because this is what a community does. They consider the health of everyone." ("Doctor knows firsthand the effects of smoke on lungs," www.centerforhealthreporting.org)
Numerous government, health, and air-quality organizations, including the Lung Association, explain that wood smoke contains harmful pollutants like fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and furans, formaldehyde and acrolein. Even with air filters and closed windows, it can make the air seriously unhealthy, in the backyards, living rooms, and children's bedrooms, of nearby tobacco smoke-free homes.
An Internet search can also explain why some places have begun taking action. In the Wood Burning section of its official website, the City of Fort Collins, Colo., informs citizens: "The city recommends that you avoid using your fireplace or wood stove to protect the health of yourself and your neighbors." The city of Elmira, New York, is an example of places that protect the health and safety of residents, by prohibiting fire pits that are wood burning.
Residents of some California counties were asked to avoid burning wood this past Christmas, in order "to give the gift of clean air." ("Please don't burn wood this weekend, Bay Area air quality officials advise," www.mercurynews.com)
In 2009, Montreal banned new installations of wood stoves. I'd like to suggest that a bylaw like this could be, along with a ban on the recreational pollution of outdoor burning, an achievable way for our own city to prevent added smoke emissions, while aiming further to provide equally full protection, for all Lethbridge residents.
Hampstead, Que., set a high standard in 2008, with a strong bylaw banning wood-burning appliances. The town's mayor, William Steinberg, has expressed confidence that other communities will follow Hampstead's lead. ("Hampstead ban a burning issue--and a good call," www.themonitor.ca)
I remain hopeful that Lethbridge will become a leader on this issue, too.
Cathy Baiton
Lethbridge
Saturday, 08 January 2011
Letter to the Editor
Lethbridge Herald
Alberta, Canada
Mr. Pushor (Nov. 24) and Mr. Forster (Dec. 18), have criticized the idea that the city should ensure everyone's right to breathe fresh, wood smoke-free air, in and around their own homes. But as Robert Smith's Dec. 4 letter points out, "It is a public health issue, just like smoking."
Dr. Mark Miller of Chico, Calif., in a news article on residential wood smoke, suggests that people should care about air quality, "because this is what a community does. They consider the health of everyone." ("Doctor knows firsthand the effects of smoke on lungs," www.centerforhealthreporting.org)
Numerous government, health, and air-quality organizations, including the Lung Association, explain that wood smoke contains harmful pollutants like fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and furans, formaldehyde and acrolein. Even with air filters and closed windows, it can make the air seriously unhealthy, in the backyards, living rooms, and children's bedrooms, of nearby tobacco smoke-free homes.
An Internet search can also explain why some places have begun taking action. In the Wood Burning section of its official website, the City of Fort Collins, Colo., informs citizens: "The city recommends that you avoid using your fireplace or wood stove to protect the health of yourself and your neighbors." The city of Elmira, New York, is an example of places that protect the health and safety of residents, by prohibiting fire pits that are wood burning.
Residents of some California counties were asked to avoid burning wood this past Christmas, in order "to give the gift of clean air." ("Please don't burn wood this weekend, Bay Area air quality officials advise," www.mercurynews.com)
In 2009, Montreal banned new installations of wood stoves. I'd like to suggest that a bylaw like this could be, along with a ban on the recreational pollution of outdoor burning, an achievable way for our own city to prevent added smoke emissions, while aiming further to provide equally full protection, for all Lethbridge residents.
Hampstead, Que., set a high standard in 2008, with a strong bylaw banning wood-burning appliances. The town's mayor, William Steinberg, has expressed confidence that other communities will follow Hampstead's lead. ("Hampstead ban a burning issue--and a good call," www.themonitor.ca)
I remain hopeful that Lethbridge will become a leader on this issue, too.
Cathy Baiton
Lethbridge
Mother Earth------Woodsmoke Poem
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Mother Earth
She looks down upon the Earth in disbelief
Saddened by the horror and by the grief
Barren land and gritty sand
Instead of soil turned over by the hand of man
Forests stripped revealing hell
Burning fires and the lone church bell
Ring out against the haze filled sky
Children with Asthma and tears in their eye
Suffering from Woodsmoke polluting the Earth
Illness and death oh what a curse
Mankind and his desire to burn everywhere
On hillside, in cities and what do they care
But the innocent children still pay the price
With their health and suffering and yes with their life
Death from Woodsmoke is heartless, is cruel and relentless
It is horror, it is sadness, it is illness and senseless
Pain and the suffering of children can be found everywhere
It weighs heavy on parents who truly do care
But Woodsmoke continues to swallow up life
It shows no mercy to children, to husband or wife
Families grieve, families weep, families cry in despair
When will mankind stop burning wood and polluting the air?
Webmaster comment...The above beautiful and sincere poem was written by an individual that wishes to remain anonymous. Thank you for your submission.
January 2011
She looks down upon the Earth in disbelief
Saddened by the horror and by the grief
Barren land and gritty sand
Instead of soil turned over by the hand of man
Forests stripped revealing hell
Burning fires and the lone church bell
Ring out against the haze filled sky
Children with Asthma and tears in their eye
Suffering from Woodsmoke polluting the Earth
Illness and death oh what a curse
Mankind and his desire to burn everywhere
On hillside, in cities and what do they care
But the innocent children still pay the price
With their health and suffering and yes with their life
Death from Woodsmoke is heartless, is cruel and relentless
It is horror, it is sadness, it is illness and senseless
Pain and the suffering of children can be found everywhere
It weighs heavy on parents who truly do care
But Woodsmoke continues to swallow up life
It shows no mercy to children, to husband or wife
Families grieve, families weep, families cry in despair
When will mankind stop burning wood and polluting the air?
Webmaster comment...The above beautiful and sincere poem was written by an individual that wishes to remain anonymous. Thank you for your submission.
January 2011
Where there's smoke, there's pollution!!!!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Source:
bclocalnews.com
Canada)
Published: October 31, 2010 6:00 AM
The Editor,
Port Coquitlam residents are invited to participate in molding a greener, futuristic view of our city.
Improving neighbourhood air quality would be a vital step to going green.
Air quality differs from one residential area to another. Poor neighbourhood air quality is noted in areas where wood-burning fireplaces exist. Fireplaces are a very uncontrolled source of air pollution, according to a professor in UBC's School of Environmental Health.
Wood smoke poses a health threat to wood stove and fireplace users and to their neighbours, states Washington State Department of Ecology. Emissions from one chimney can foul the air of all the surrounding neighbours and present health hazards.
How informed people are about these health hazards contained in wood smoke emissions is a guess. Many individuals do not relate a scratchy throat (or the "not quite feeling right") to wood-smoke. Are people aware that these symptoms could be the beginning of a serious condition related to wood-smoke emissions?
BCLA has a list of these conditions and claims that wood-smoke is linked to asthma, respiratory conditions, lung and heart problems, including cancer.
Government wants to improve air quality but has no jurisdiction over communities as far as a ban on wood-burning fireplaces is concerned; that power lies in the hands of municipal leaders.
For council and environment enhancement committee to implement a no-burning bylaw should not depend on how many people are complaining but needs to be based on the fact that too many people’s health will be affected if a ban does not take place.
Brie Oishi, Port Coquitlam
Note:Source:
bclocalnews.com
(Canada)
Published: October 31, 2010 6:00 AM
bclocalnews.com
Canada)
Published: October 31, 2010 6:00 AM
The Editor,
Port Coquitlam residents are invited to participate in molding a greener, futuristic view of our city.
Improving neighbourhood air quality would be a vital step to going green.
Air quality differs from one residential area to another. Poor neighbourhood air quality is noted in areas where wood-burning fireplaces exist. Fireplaces are a very uncontrolled source of air pollution, according to a professor in UBC's School of Environmental Health.
Wood smoke poses a health threat to wood stove and fireplace users and to their neighbours, states Washington State Department of Ecology. Emissions from one chimney can foul the air of all the surrounding neighbours and present health hazards.
How informed people are about these health hazards contained in wood smoke emissions is a guess. Many individuals do not relate a scratchy throat (or the "not quite feeling right") to wood-smoke. Are people aware that these symptoms could be the beginning of a serious condition related to wood-smoke emissions?
BCLA has a list of these conditions and claims that wood-smoke is linked to asthma, respiratory conditions, lung and heart problems, including cancer.
Government wants to improve air quality but has no jurisdiction over communities as far as a ban on wood-burning fireplaces is concerned; that power lies in the hands of municipal leaders.
For council and environment enhancement committee to implement a no-burning bylaw should not depend on how many people are complaining but needs to be based on the fact that too many people’s health will be affected if a ban does not take place.
Brie Oishi, Port Coquitlam
Note:Source:
bclocalnews.com
(Canada)
Published: October 31, 2010 6:00 AM
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