Hearts and Hearth....A Deadly Combination

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!