Citizens for Environmental Health
About Us.....
Our Commitment---
We will support citizens with current information about health related environmental issues, and through our united efforts, will promote vitality, health, harmony and sustainability. Together, we reach forward with informed vision and fortitude. Citizens for environmental health act in the pursuit of one positive intention, to do whatever it takes to safeguard all life.
We are committed to all aspects of prevention. Our focus is on the air we breathe; on the grass we walk and play on, as well as how we use household energy, transportation, and the safety of consumer products. We realize the importance of being able to trust that the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. The policies we endorse serve to ensure maximum health in healthy environments. We realize the need to rethink several beliefs--and time is of essence. We are committed to exploring behaviors, which have become habits. We see the need to evaluate our present actions, as these are the underlying cause of the many challenges that we face in these times of climate crisis.
We are dedicated to safeguarding all life. We are committed to helping citizens learn current and respected information so that together we discover a better, happier, joyful, and safer way to live. We are deeply committed to protecting the health of all citizens, especially the children. We embrace ways of strengthening communication about what we think we know, how we think and what we believe we know, so that we act with cautious stewardship to ensure clean, safe tobacco- and chimney-smoke free air.
We Believe---
We believe that we have borrowed the earth and the air from our children and we must give it back clean and inviting and as safe as possible. We believe that we must do whatever it takes to ensure smoke free air, since air is essential to life.
We believe strongly in the importance of protecting the environment and citizens’ health. We are especially committed to the importance of the right to breathe smoke free air. We believe that living in safe communities is our vital right. In the interest of social justice, being free to breathe clean chimney-smoke-free air is a given right and that this right is not to be compromised. We believe that clean air is essential to life and to healthy neighborhoods. We recognize that it is our duty and responsibility as custodians, to protect children from all dangers. We acknowledge that chimney smoke is a carcinogen, a grave and unnecessary danger to children. We believe that all smoke including EPA smoke is a critical health risk and this unnecessary pollution must be stopped. The present is our gift to future generations; therefore it is our duty to embrace the safest and highest environmental standards possible. We encourage all organizations, regardless of faith, or geographical borders, to perpetuate positive actions. We invoke linear togetherness that encourages shared vision, mutual arm in arm support, and activities, that unite and guide us as we courageously face challenges of global warming. We acknowledge the challenge of changing old ways behaviors and recognize that sacrifices must be made to adjust to climate change new realities. We strongly promote The Precautionary Principle in practice and policy, therefore we expect and oblige our elected officials to act to ensure sustainability, and to do all in their power to the health of all citizens. We expect policy that reduces risks and ensures safe sustainable environments. One can truly make a difference through informed forward thinking, political will, transparency, responsibility and, of course, doing what is right. Our motto: Together for Better. We invite you to join as we believe we must act with urgency today, to do what is must be done, “For the sake of the kids”, for now and forever.
Who we are----
We are a preventive action-oriented environmental association, dedicated to ensuring the maximum protection of all citizens, all life, in the healthiest and safest environment possible.
Our Motto----
“Together for Better!” THEME 1- Clean air is essential to life
Our Mission----
WHAT WE DO NOW
As a global citizens' group, we, Citizensforenvironmentalhealth.com, commit to being forerunners of change. With respect for the earth, and all life, we are spirited and above all determined to make a difference. We are enthusiastically dedicated to sharing current information on prevention, on how to act, so as to safeguard air quality. We are determined to expand public knowledge about all issues of prevention.
Currently, our focus is wood smoke. We provide our guests and members with vital information on this subject. We ensure that this information is accurate and that the source is highly respected. We access reference material from the most qualified institutions and ensure that it is informative, factual and current. We assist in the expansion of awareness by providing material that is non-biased, from a reliable source, and that it furthers the Community Right to Know. We provide information that has been documented over the last two decades. We provide documented reference material from thousands of studies on health risks and wood smoke pollution. We demonstrate in these documents the critical health risks facing citizens who are placed in harm’s way from breathing neighbourhood chimney smoke. We recognize citizens have been denied this knowledge and believe it is crucial to provide this information to all citizens. We clearly oppose all wood burning and stress the concern for the dangers of misguided false information about EPA Stove Smoke. We are determined to reveal the truths about total carcinogenic emissions in EPA and all neighbourhood smoke. We realize that we, as responsible citizens, and as an informed society, must stop the dissemination of false information. We discourage and demand a stop to this fatal habit.
We expose issues of non-disclosure, EPA conflict of interest and government inaction with regard to smoke emissions. We maintain and uphold citizens’ right to truth and transparency. We are committed to expanding information and suggest that, by denying Community Right to Know, as well as ignoring the Precautionary Principle, by limiting access to information, ignoring vital facts and providing information that is biased, the government is exposing innocent citizens, especially children, to ambient air which threatens their very lives.
Our mission is to ensure that publications and promotional material from industry and government institutions address the truths about emissions, are transparent and provide clear testimony about the false claims of up to 9O% of emissions that in reality are less than one percent, these fraudulent designed statements pose critical risk, can cause mortal harm .
We wish to alert the public about the suggestive false claims about smoke from Certified EPA Stoves. We will ensure that this vital information is no longer hidden, but, on the contrary, becomes common knowledge.
We oppose all wood burning; acknowledge the risk and danger to life that that results from smoke pollution. We are strongly opposed to the burning of wood as a secondary or primary heating source, and work towards ensuring public rightful access to smoke free air. We maintain that the practice of burning wood must be curtailed, as it constitutes a grave and unnecessary danger to society. We oppose all wood burning, except in emergency situations.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Welcome to all citizens from all corners of the world.
Here, at Citizens for Environmental Health, we invite you to take hands and with widespread energy and through groundbreaking intention, we will awaken to a new positive and purposeful direction.
Welcome to where a new thought form will be recognized and, from where, instead of failure, we will discover, manifest, and create change. We acknowledge that the hardest problem to fix is the one we do not know exists.
We know that air is essential to all life. However most people know very little about the air that we breathe in wood smoke neighbourhoods Unfortunately, people have not been told much about this smoke polluted air. So, with this site, we will do what we must do to give ourselves the best chance to live cancer risk free and replenish our neighbourhoods with safe smoke free air. Welcome to where we will replenish the air.
Smoke is the antithesis of air. Smoke, wood burning, we have romanticized and somehow taken for granted, as harmless. Far from harmless, harmful smoke, produced from burning tree parts in 2008, is the world’s third highest source of pollution and this smoke is a real threat to our health and all life on the planet. This burning smoke emits billions of tons of emissions, carcinogenic chemicals, carbon, benzene, fumes, dioxin and hexacholorbenzene into the air that we breathe each day.
Little is known about this second hand neighbourhood smoke. Yet, thousands of studies conclude that residential smoke is a major cause of all illness, heart disease, stroke, asthma, diabetes, all cancers, including breast cancer and even death. Smoke produced from residential wood burning costs 24% of the total green house gases in Canada each year. In Quebec , where emissions have grown 20% in the last five years, this smoke causes 55% of particulate matter, a deadly molecular soot pollution that enters deep into the lungs. And, all that smoke, people know very little about. People deserve and have the right to know. We think differently, we act more responsibly, when we know the facts.
Residential Wood Burning Smoke Pollution has become a primary cause of carbon emissions, benzene and dioxin, and is among the worse and the highest contributor of pollution in the world. Wood burning deforestation is not the way of the new earth that we see. We can change.
Welcome to where we learn about how we can change the thoughts that have not been our servant but our ignorant master. Wood burning is the cause of over, 90% of winter pollution, however, this pollution in Canada , is caused by only 4% of people. Most people however, are not even aware that this smoke is a serious health threat. Issues about smoke been silenced for years, so, most do not know that the smoke from their chimney causes suffering to their neighbours, triggers asthma, heart attacks, and stroke and claims thousands of innocent lives in Canada alone, each year. Unknown to many, as Devra Davies stated in her celebrated book, Cutting Through the Smoke, “ Pollution never shows up on death certificates.” According to Health Canada , thousands of Canadians die each year from smoke carcinogenic exposure. Neighbourhood smoke is the silent killer that we know little about. Why have we been, for so long, kept in the dark about this smoke?
The devastation caused by the toxins in smoke is causing environmental havoc and destruction to all living things. We must change. It is time we clear the air.
Welcome to where we take responsibility for the safety of our children. Asthma is the highest cause of death in children. Let us act to make sure the kids breathe air that is not a toxic mixture of smoke. Children are at the highest risk. Can we allow smoke, fumes and chemicals to be constantly emitted into their growing bodies? Smoke is scarring their lungs and accumulating in blood cells of our children. With this true coming together for better, we make certain that the children are all able to live more safely, free from all cigarette and wood burning smoke. We owe it to our kids! We will act.
As a mother of a son who has seen the face of cancer first hand, I ask you to join us in this movement where we believe that the best treatment is prevention. Whether for cancer, lung disease, asthma, stroke and heart disease and Breast Cancer prevention from avoidable risks is crucial. We invite you help us voice the need and to fight for change so that citizens, parents, and children will not be made to suffer environmental cancer. Here is where asthma, coughs and lung infections, caused from breathing smoke will not get a place to start. We can prevent all the environmental cancer and diseases caused from breathing smoke-toxic neighbourhood dirty air. Is burning wood worth the cost? We Adopt Prevention as the Best Cure!
We together can and must reduce risks and prevent exposure to all smoke. Reducing risks is breathing smoke free.
We invite you to become informed about an unknown subject, this silent killer that is causing illness, great distress and suffering and especially endangering our children. Smoke is placing kids at very heightened risk. Smoke from chimneys is causing irreversible environmental damage and placing our health and the health of the unborn at heightened risk.
Vital to changing is the urgent need to address is the lack of science and lack of integrity in EPA Certified Stoves. Unless we awaken to the facts, as is stated in the critical review of EPA Integrity, May 22, 2008 in which, Senate House Leader, Waxman states that EPA decisions “are not based on Science nor regulations, but are adopted by the White House for political reasons” we will not see real change. We need to dissect the myth of this power industry and see that the truths about EPA Certified stoves. Independent tests (INTERTEC) conclude stove emissions show an increase of 400% dioxin in EPA chimney smoke. As with all emissions, studies conclude none, no emissions are reduced in home use of stoves. Emissions are reduced in lab testing only. The industry owns the labs! The industry certifies itself! People need to know the studies and reviews prove that testing is not based on scientific facts.
There is no reduction in concentration but what is to be made caution is the fact that Dioxin in smoke exposure is placing women at risk to develop Breast Cancer. Walking in smoke is like smoking 16 cigarettes in one half hour!
We must stop this smoke that is placing women at risk. Studies prove carcinogens from breathing this smoke accumulate in the blood cells and fatty tissue, causing changes, directly impacting and increasing risks for women to develop Breast Cancer. It is urgent. We must act.
Together we can and must reduce these avoidable risks and prevent exposure to all carcinogenic smoke. Reducing risks is breathing smoke free.
We acknowledge the respected government and institutional research that proves that wood smoke is more toxic than cigarette smoke. We extend a welcome to our institutions and government agencies. We expect and oblige our elected policy makers to adopt policy that is, the best and the safest policy, that is informed, and that is clearly the most forward thinking, sustainable health based, environmental policy.
Nothing less is acceptable. PREVENTION is the BEST CURE.
Health must be number one in policy.
We realize that, unfortunately, people have been kept in the dark about neighbourhood smoke.
Seeing that people are victims of not knowing much about this second hand smoke, we want to make a difference in getting the information out there. We welcome citizens, policy makers and the media to a place where people are respectively given access to the facts, where they can make informed decisions, become healthier citizens, live and breathe in health and enjoy the best quality of life. We ensure that life is given the best chance, so that people can live happier, longer and better, breather clean and safe air in their homes and neighbourhoods. People must not be forced to breathe neighbours’ toxic smoke in their own homes. People have the right to live smoke free. No one should be able to take your breath away.
We believe and do our best and will continue to see that the information is made easily available, so good willed citizens can act responsibly, stop polluting with smoke, and do what is right for our environment and our families. We must protect the air for future generations.
We invite all citizens from worldwide communities to learn, share in the dialogue, chat with each other, support, and participate, so that we informed and determined to change. We must take a new direction.
We know it is time for change and we believe that through willpower and awareness, citizens in communities will engage in change, and will help each other live more safely, in smoke free neighbourhoods. Climate change is upon us. We may not have a second chance.
Wood burning smoke is threat to our well-being and future generations. Witnessing the raging earth now struggling to combat climate change, the world food shortage, the hungry desolate people displaced, those before our eyes, who, by the millions, are falling victims to the ravishes of climate change, we too, may soon become one of them. We humans are the fragile. We are the meek and the humble. We must change. We ask each other to think about today and tomorrow’s children. They need us. What are we leaving for our grandchildren who shall inherit the air and the earth? We had a beautiful world handed to us what can we do to now give our children the same beautiful earth? Certainly dirty smoky air is not what our children should be handed, nor expect from us.
We need to act towards change and courageously create a better, cleaner and safer world. It is time for change. We have no choice. Please join together, with Citizens for Environmental Health, join a world where we work towards a wide awakened conscious. Becoming a member, if you wish to donate, we appreciate your help. In joining, you will receive our newsletter, and we will unite our voice. We can see that this is so important. We have never needed each other more than we do today. Time is of essence. Welcome! Become a member. It’s free. The best things in life are free. Our health is our most precious resource. Our earth, our air, what we need to enjoy life. We recognize that is we may stand to lose.. Now is the best time we have. Let’s get to work, create hope and make this a cleaner world. Let’s make successful change happen. We can and we will make a new, safer, smoke free world, a reality. Let’s do it for the kids!
Welcome! Let’s do it! We can and we will.
http://www.citizensforenvironmentalhealth.com/homepage.html
Webmaster comment---We welcome and applaud your efforts!
Showing posts with label web site. Show all posts
Showing posts with label web site. Show all posts
"Fighting for Our Clean Air Rights against Outdoor Wood Boilers in Illinois"
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
"Fighting for Our Clean Air Rights against Outdoor Wood Boilers in Illinois"
http://www.myspace.com/freedomofair
Our Mission:
My wife and I developed this page to show the horror of how lives can change because of the selfish action of a neighbor. Having clean air to breathe is a fundamental common law right. We have been forced to live with and breathe smoke on a continual basis because of an Outdoor Wood Boiler located directly across from our house. We are not just fighting for our own rights, but the rights of everyone else who wishes to breathe clean air. We hope the information on this page will benefit anyone who has a similar situation, and will find our experiences resourceful in the continuing battle for clean air.
About Us:
We are a recently newly married couple who moved into our first home in December of 2005. The fall of 2006 was when our nightmare began. We are an average couple trying to make ends meet, and have been struggling to do so. We hope to one day start a family, but feel that at this time our financial strain cannot allow us to do so. We certainly also fear the health risks of exposing a child to a lifestyle of constant smoke inhalation. We feel that not only our clean air has been taken from us, but also the opportunity for us to start a family.
Please examine the many features of this page, including the pictures and video in which we have uploaded. These are all pictures of the boiler that we have had no choice in living with. Many things have been chronicled in the blog section to make this page more accessible.
http://www.myspace.com/freedomofair
Editor’s note….Please visit and support this great web site.
http://www.myspace.com/freedomofair
Our Mission:
My wife and I developed this page to show the horror of how lives can change because of the selfish action of a neighbor. Having clean air to breathe is a fundamental common law right. We have been forced to live with and breathe smoke on a continual basis because of an Outdoor Wood Boiler located directly across from our house. We are not just fighting for our own rights, but the rights of everyone else who wishes to breathe clean air. We hope the information on this page will benefit anyone who has a similar situation, and will find our experiences resourceful in the continuing battle for clean air.
About Us:
We are a recently newly married couple who moved into our first home in December of 2005. The fall of 2006 was when our nightmare began. We are an average couple trying to make ends meet, and have been struggling to do so. We hope to one day start a family, but feel that at this time our financial strain cannot allow us to do so. We certainly also fear the health risks of exposing a child to a lifestyle of constant smoke inhalation. We feel that not only our clean air has been taken from us, but also the opportunity for us to start a family.
Please examine the many features of this page, including the pictures and video in which we have uploaded. These are all pictures of the boiler that we have had no choice in living with. Many things have been chronicled in the blog section to make this page more accessible.
http://www.myspace.com/freedomofair
Editor’s note….Please visit and support this great web site.
Burning Issues web site---Wood Smoke Information
Monday, March 24, 2008
BurningIssues.org---web site
Clean Air Revival
A great web site to visit for medical, scientific, historical, and current happenings about wood smoke is......http://burningissues.org/car-www/index.html
Mail:
Mary Rozenberg, President
http://BurningIssues.org
Clean Air Revival, Inc.
PO Box 1045
Point Arena,
CA 95468-1045
Email: Mary.Rozenberg@gmail.com
For comments regarding the web site Email:WebMaster@BurningIsues.org
Please visit this web site and support their great efforts!
Thank you.
Clean Air Revival
A great web site to visit for medical, scientific, historical, and current happenings about wood smoke is......http://burningissues.org/car-www/index.html
Mail:
Mary Rozenberg, President
http://BurningIssues.org
Clean Air Revival, Inc.
PO Box 1045
Point Arena,
CA 95468-1045
Email: Mary.Rozenberg@gmail.com
For comments regarding the web site Email:WebMaster@BurningIsues.org
Please visit this web site and support their great efforts!
Thank you.
Fighting for Our Clean Air Rights against Outdoor Wood Boilers in Illinois
Thursday, December 20, 2007
"Fighting for Our Clean Air Rights against Outdoor Wood Boilers in Illinois "
http://www.myspace.com/freedomofair
Note...The above personal myspace web page site is created by a Supporter of Breathe Healthy Air.
Our Mission:
"My wife and I developed this page to show the horror of how lives can change because of the selfish action of a neighbor. Having clean air to breathe is a fundamental common law right. We have been forced to live with and breathe smoke on a continual basis because of an Outdoor Wood Boiler located directly across from our house. We are not just fighting for our own rights, but the rights of everyone else who wishes to breathe clean air. We hope the information on this page will benefit anyone who has a similar situation, and will find our experiences resourceful in the continuing battle for clean air."
Who I'd like to meet:
"We want to meet anyone who wants to constructively contribute to our mission of getting back what was once free, clean air. We have already invested thousands of dollars in this fight, thousands of dollars we probably will never see again. If we can successfully maintain our ground and fight for what is right, not only will we personally benefit, but people in the community and with similar situations will benefit as well."
Editor's note----Read about the horrors of wood smoke emission and actually see wood smoke emission videos on this web site.... http://www.myspace.com/freedomofair
http://www.myspace.com/freedomofair
Note...The above personal myspace web page site is created by a Supporter of Breathe Healthy Air.
Our Mission:
"My wife and I developed this page to show the horror of how lives can change because of the selfish action of a neighbor. Having clean air to breathe is a fundamental common law right. We have been forced to live with and breathe smoke on a continual basis because of an Outdoor Wood Boiler located directly across from our house. We are not just fighting for our own rights, but the rights of everyone else who wishes to breathe clean air. We hope the information on this page will benefit anyone who has a similar situation, and will find our experiences resourceful in the continuing battle for clean air."
Who I'd like to meet:
"We want to meet anyone who wants to constructively contribute to our mission of getting back what was once free, clean air. We have already invested thousands of dollars in this fight, thousands of dollars we probably will never see again. If we can successfully maintain our ground and fight for what is right, not only will we personally benefit, but people in the community and with similar situations will benefit as well."
Editor's note----Read about the horrors of wood smoke emission and actually see wood smoke emission videos on this web site.... http://www.myspace.com/freedomofair
Massachusetts Laws-Boards of Health
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Legal Information
Go to-----http://masscleanair.org/mainlinks/legal.htm
Massachusetts Laws:
Boards of Health in Massachusetts are given the authority to regulate air pollution on a local level, as well as the responsibility protect the public health. The following are laws that govern Boards of Health.
o M.G.L - Chapter 111, Section 31
o M.G.L - Chapter 111, Section 31C
o M.G.L - Chapter 111, Section 122
o M.G.L - Chapter 111, Section 143
o M.G.L - Chapter 111, Section 144
3.10 CMR 7.07 - Open Burning Law
Local Regulations in Massachusetts
Northampton Regulations
Amherst Regulations
Wood Burning
Operators
Wood Burning Operator's Exam
Practices
Legal Cases in Other States
Wood Smoke and the Americans With Disabilities Act -- Iowa Court Case
Nebraska Court Case
Pennsylvania Court Case
Go to-----http://masscleanair.org/mainlinks/legal.htm
Go to-----http://masscleanair.org/mainlinks/legal.htm
Massachusetts Laws:
Boards of Health in Massachusetts are given the authority to regulate air pollution on a local level, as well as the responsibility protect the public health. The following are laws that govern Boards of Health.
o M.G.L - Chapter 111, Section 31
o M.G.L - Chapter 111, Section 31C
o M.G.L - Chapter 111, Section 122
o M.G.L - Chapter 111, Section 143
o M.G.L - Chapter 111, Section 144
3.10 CMR 7.07 - Open Burning Law
Local Regulations in Massachusetts
Northampton Regulations
Amherst Regulations
Wood Burning
Operators
Wood Burning Operator's Exam
Practices
Legal Cases in Other States
Wood Smoke and the Americans With Disabilities Act -- Iowa Court Case
Nebraska Court Case
Pennsylvania Court Case
Go to-----http://masscleanair.org/mainlinks/legal.htm
Ban wood-burning fireplaces--and get a fume-free night's rest, too
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Ban wood-burning fireplaces?
J.D. Mullane…jmullane@phillyburbs.com
www.phillyburbs.com
September 4, 2007
Every so often, readers will call to pitch an idea for a cause they believe I will champion.
Such is the case with a caller who left this message: “I was wondering if you would consider writing a column on fireplace burning, especially on nights when the weatherman says it's cool enough and you can leave your windows open. You know, "great sleeping weather.' Inevitably, certain people will use the cool night weather as an excuse to light a fire and snuggle next to a fireplace.
“The fumes fill the neighborhood and your bedroom and you can't leave your windows open. Maybe we need a ban on fireplace burning. I live in Levittown. It's getting really bad around here. But I was wondering if you would consider writing about this.”
Fireplaces cause “fumes” and give people an excuse to “snuggle”? Outrageous!
You are onto something, caller. Wood-burning fireplaces should be banned. Let me make the case, beginning with the “fumes” issue first.
Who can stand the smell of wood smoke wafting through the neighborhood, especially on a crisp autumn day?
Why, the next thing you know, a person might find himself digging through the garage for the football, calling his kids outside, tossing the football, having fun, and this inevitably puts him in a good mood.
But he should not be in a good mood! This is because he and his children are inhaling noxious fireplace fumes, which are loaded with grimy “particulates” that cause cancer, asthma and sleepless nights for grumpy neighbors. Why, I wouldn't be surprised if wood-burning fireplaces also cause global warming, cancer clusters, men who wear flip-flops while shopping, and other planetary plagues.
Now for the “snuggling” issue.
Lighting a fire naturally leads to this. In some cases, people are tempted to open a bottle of wine, recline in front of the crackling flames, and drink the wine.
This leads to something even worse than snuggling — drunken snuggling! And, dear caller, I think we know what kind of hanky-panky that leads to.
We need to lead Bucks County in the movement to ban wood-burning, planet-killing, snuggle-inducing fireplaces.
I suggest you and I form an environmental awareness group. We can call it “Fireplaces Are Really Terrible” and put the acronym on bumper stickers.
Maybe we could enlist the help of the New Hope Borough Council. New Hope has banned smoking in bars and wants to ban Dunkin' Donuts. New Hope seems to like banning stuff. Why not wood-burning fireplaces, too?
We could get annoying Irish rock star Bono to come and speak for the cause. He's with us on this. Last week, according a newspaper, he requested his neighbors in New York's Central Park West neighborhood stop using their fireplaces. He, too, is bothered by stink and fumes. Yay, Bono.
Naturally, people who like wood smoke, snuggling and hanky-panky will strongly object. We may have to compromise and permit propane fireplaces. Many of the new ones are operated by remote control, so we'll easily have the couch potato population on our side.
If people miss the sound of real wood crackling, we can have them download fireplace sound effects from our Web site. With digital quality sound, is there really a difference?
Sure, when Christmas comes, people may have to sing “Chestnuts Roasting on a Phony Fire.”
But we'll tell them to get over it. We're trying to save the planet, and get a fume-free night's rest, too.
Mullane's column appears Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.---www.phillyburbs.com
J.D. Mullane…jmullane@phillyburbs.com
www.phillyburbs.com
September 4, 2007
Every so often, readers will call to pitch an idea for a cause they believe I will champion.
Such is the case with a caller who left this message: “I was wondering if you would consider writing a column on fireplace burning, especially on nights when the weatherman says it's cool enough and you can leave your windows open. You know, "great sleeping weather.' Inevitably, certain people will use the cool night weather as an excuse to light a fire and snuggle next to a fireplace.
“The fumes fill the neighborhood and your bedroom and you can't leave your windows open. Maybe we need a ban on fireplace burning. I live in Levittown. It's getting really bad around here. But I was wondering if you would consider writing about this.”
Fireplaces cause “fumes” and give people an excuse to “snuggle”? Outrageous!
You are onto something, caller. Wood-burning fireplaces should be banned. Let me make the case, beginning with the “fumes” issue first.
Who can stand the smell of wood smoke wafting through the neighborhood, especially on a crisp autumn day?
Why, the next thing you know, a person might find himself digging through the garage for the football, calling his kids outside, tossing the football, having fun, and this inevitably puts him in a good mood.
But he should not be in a good mood! This is because he and his children are inhaling noxious fireplace fumes, which are loaded with grimy “particulates” that cause cancer, asthma and sleepless nights for grumpy neighbors. Why, I wouldn't be surprised if wood-burning fireplaces also cause global warming, cancer clusters, men who wear flip-flops while shopping, and other planetary plagues.
Now for the “snuggling” issue.
Lighting a fire naturally leads to this. In some cases, people are tempted to open a bottle of wine, recline in front of the crackling flames, and drink the wine.
This leads to something even worse than snuggling — drunken snuggling! And, dear caller, I think we know what kind of hanky-panky that leads to.
We need to lead Bucks County in the movement to ban wood-burning, planet-killing, snuggle-inducing fireplaces.
I suggest you and I form an environmental awareness group. We can call it “Fireplaces Are Really Terrible” and put the acronym on bumper stickers.
Maybe we could enlist the help of the New Hope Borough Council. New Hope has banned smoking in bars and wants to ban Dunkin' Donuts. New Hope seems to like banning stuff. Why not wood-burning fireplaces, too?
We could get annoying Irish rock star Bono to come and speak for the cause. He's with us on this. Last week, according a newspaper, he requested his neighbors in New York's Central Park West neighborhood stop using their fireplaces. He, too, is bothered by stink and fumes. Yay, Bono.
Naturally, people who like wood smoke, snuggling and hanky-panky will strongly object. We may have to compromise and permit propane fireplaces. Many of the new ones are operated by remote control, so we'll easily have the couch potato population on our side.
If people miss the sound of real wood crackling, we can have them download fireplace sound effects from our Web site. With digital quality sound, is there really a difference?
Sure, when Christmas comes, people may have to sing “Chestnuts Roasting on a Phony Fire.”
But we'll tell them to get over it. We're trying to save the planet, and get a fume-free night's rest, too.
Mullane's column appears Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.---www.phillyburbs.com
Canadians Suffer--Just Like Americans
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Smoke emissions are harmful to all-no matter where you live!
YORKREGION.COM…is a community website serving residents and businesses of York Region. Ontario, Canada
What Do You Think
Jul 23, 2007 03:33 PM
Readers debate fire ban
What do you think about banning recreational and open air fires in built-up areas where lot sizes are smaller?
(Excerpts from some of the pro-ban replies)
You responded:
We have called the fire chief numerous times about smoke from fires on weekends. They also burn garbage and foam. It’s so bad, we have to go out for the day. We can’t breathe. It’s funny no one can smoke, but we have to put up with this. Why is that?
GORDON EDGECOMB
Georgina
II think that this is a great idea. I have a young baby that has potential for asthma and allergies. Many times just trying to play in our back yard we have been smoked out by neighbours constantly burning. If they were just burning yard waste, would they need to burn almost everyday? Not to mention there is a lot of yard waste that people shouldn’t burn and probably aren’t even aware of these dangers. I definitely agree that it is time to make some changes.
BONNIE LEITCH
Georgina
I have asthma and every weekend night we have to close up all of our windows and run the air conditioner due to the many backyard fires in our subdivision. Otherwise I have a lot of trouble breathing. The fires, many close to fences and trees, may set them on fire furthering harming nature. I have also observed burning of garbage during the week and, when mowing the lawn (with my rechargeable battery operated mower) I had to stop as the fumes were so bad. During that fire, I also got ashes on my arm blown over from his fire and bits of his credit card statements half burnt blew at me. Disgusting. We have garbage pickup and recycling in this town. I would welcome restrictions on fires in built up areas.
DEEANN GONSALVES
Georgina
I think all fires within town limits should be banned as it affects the air quality and those who are sensitive to it.
CORINNA EU
Georgina
We live on Hollywood Drive. I have asthma and have been forced to call the fire department twice. The second time, our neighbour let the fire smolder all night. No fine was issued and the fire pit it 10 to 15 feet from my house. We have a bylaw officer who manages to ticket everybody in town if they’re parked in the wrong space, so why can’t this person ticket someone burning without a permit. These inconsiderate people make it hard on people who just want a small fire late in the evening. This guy burns during the day. Who do I call now since the fire department has not stopped the problem?
CATHY WEILER
Georgina
Many times we are forced to close our windows during the cooler evenings and use the air conditioning as the smell from the fires permeates our home. It gets right into one’s clothing. I would like to see recreational and open-air fires in built-up areas banned.
ALBERT HOBDEN
Georgina
Most definitely ban all fires. Give out permits for special nights people want a bonfire. I pay my taxes and should not have to hide out in my home because of asthma and one ignorant neighbour who, by the way, was asked politely to put out his fire on numerous occasions. One wrecks it for all.
CATHY CLUGSTON
Georgina
I think there should definitely be restrictions, not just for subdivisions but for general residential streets also. It is very frustrating when you have to bring in your laundry to rewash it or not allow your kids to go outside to play because one of your neighbours is burning and the smoke is so thick. It’s about just having plain respect for your neighbours, which unfortunately alot of people don’t these days. The town does need to change the bylaws.
WENDY CULLINGHAM
Georgina
Great idea, long overdue. Let’s air our laundry, rather than having to launder our air.
DEB WILSON
Richmond Hill
I believe there should be a complete ban on recreational and open-air fires in all areas. There is absolutely no reason to burn. Most people who burning are burning their garbage. Open-air burning causes an excessive number of fire runs that are not required. Burning complaints are a waste of valuable resources.
JACK SEXTON
Georgina
I do not appreciate open air fires (or even anyone using wood in their in-home fireplaces) as I suffer from asthma. When my neighbour lights up his chiminea, I cannot leave my windows open on a cool night as the smoke chokes me up. Another neighbour uses a wood-burning fireplace and when I’m shoveling snow in the winter, it chokes me up as well. Many don’t realize the effects of burning wood.
RITA ZUCCARO
Vaughan
Note...Web site---yorkregion.com
YORKREGION.COM…is a community website serving residents and businesses of York Region. Ontario, Canada
What Do You Think
Jul 23, 2007 03:33 PM
Readers debate fire ban
What do you think about banning recreational and open air fires in built-up areas where lot sizes are smaller?
(Excerpts from some of the pro-ban replies)
You responded:
We have called the fire chief numerous times about smoke from fires on weekends. They also burn garbage and foam. It’s so bad, we have to go out for the day. We can’t breathe. It’s funny no one can smoke, but we have to put up with this. Why is that?
GORDON EDGECOMB
Georgina
II think that this is a great idea. I have a young baby that has potential for asthma and allergies. Many times just trying to play in our back yard we have been smoked out by neighbours constantly burning. If they were just burning yard waste, would they need to burn almost everyday? Not to mention there is a lot of yard waste that people shouldn’t burn and probably aren’t even aware of these dangers. I definitely agree that it is time to make some changes.
BONNIE LEITCH
Georgina
I have asthma and every weekend night we have to close up all of our windows and run the air conditioner due to the many backyard fires in our subdivision. Otherwise I have a lot of trouble breathing. The fires, many close to fences and trees, may set them on fire furthering harming nature. I have also observed burning of garbage during the week and, when mowing the lawn (with my rechargeable battery operated mower) I had to stop as the fumes were so bad. During that fire, I also got ashes on my arm blown over from his fire and bits of his credit card statements half burnt blew at me. Disgusting. We have garbage pickup and recycling in this town. I would welcome restrictions on fires in built up areas.
DEEANN GONSALVES
Georgina
I think all fires within town limits should be banned as it affects the air quality and those who are sensitive to it.
CORINNA EU
Georgina
We live on Hollywood Drive. I have asthma and have been forced to call the fire department twice. The second time, our neighbour let the fire smolder all night. No fine was issued and the fire pit it 10 to 15 feet from my house. We have a bylaw officer who manages to ticket everybody in town if they’re parked in the wrong space, so why can’t this person ticket someone burning without a permit. These inconsiderate people make it hard on people who just want a small fire late in the evening. This guy burns during the day. Who do I call now since the fire department has not stopped the problem?
CATHY WEILER
Georgina
Many times we are forced to close our windows during the cooler evenings and use the air conditioning as the smell from the fires permeates our home. It gets right into one’s clothing. I would like to see recreational and open-air fires in built-up areas banned.
ALBERT HOBDEN
Georgina
Most definitely ban all fires. Give out permits for special nights people want a bonfire. I pay my taxes and should not have to hide out in my home because of asthma and one ignorant neighbour who, by the way, was asked politely to put out his fire on numerous occasions. One wrecks it for all.
CATHY CLUGSTON
Georgina
I think there should definitely be restrictions, not just for subdivisions but for general residential streets also. It is very frustrating when you have to bring in your laundry to rewash it or not allow your kids to go outside to play because one of your neighbours is burning and the smoke is so thick. It’s about just having plain respect for your neighbours, which unfortunately alot of people don’t these days. The town does need to change the bylaws.
WENDY CULLINGHAM
Georgina
Great idea, long overdue. Let’s air our laundry, rather than having to launder our air.
DEB WILSON
Richmond Hill
I believe there should be a complete ban on recreational and open-air fires in all areas. There is absolutely no reason to burn. Most people who burning are burning their garbage. Open-air burning causes an excessive number of fire runs that are not required. Burning complaints are a waste of valuable resources.
JACK SEXTON
Georgina
I do not appreciate open air fires (or even anyone using wood in their in-home fireplaces) as I suffer from asthma. When my neighbour lights up his chiminea, I cannot leave my windows open on a cool night as the smoke chokes me up. Another neighbour uses a wood-burning fireplace and when I’m shoveling snow in the winter, it chokes me up as well. Many don’t realize the effects of burning wood.
RITA ZUCCARO
Vaughan
Note...Web site---yorkregion.com
Benefits of A Permanent Burn Ban
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
---"Benefits of A Permanent Burn Ban"—
A burn ban could assure that when smoke is noticed, it gets quick attention and is stopped, not regulated. When burn bans are in place firemen admit the response time is quicker, saving lives and property. A fireman in Macon, Ga. suffered an accidental death while responding to a neighborhood trash burn that got out of hand.
Regulations have not worked to clear the air. They have allowed a smoke screen for polluters to quickly burn the evidence of toxic materials right under our noses.
I believe most everyone will support an alternative to burning trash in our neighborhoods. The benefits are obvious: greater health, longer life, and more mulch for our gardens.
There is so much pollution from so many sources the least we should expect from our leaders is a permanent burn ban to protect our homes from toxic smoke invasion
Louis Lowery
Certified Master Gardener
http://gardenersview.com/
A burn ban could assure that when smoke is noticed, it gets quick attention and is stopped, not regulated. When burn bans are in place firemen admit the response time is quicker, saving lives and property. A fireman in Macon, Ga. suffered an accidental death while responding to a neighborhood trash burn that got out of hand.
Regulations have not worked to clear the air. They have allowed a smoke screen for polluters to quickly burn the evidence of toxic materials right under our noses.
I believe most everyone will support an alternative to burning trash in our neighborhoods. The benefits are obvious: greater health, longer life, and more mulch for our gardens.
There is so much pollution from so many sources the least we should expect from our leaders is a permanent burn ban to protect our homes from toxic smoke invasion
Louis Lowery
Certified Master Gardener
http://gardenersview.com/
To Board of Health Members in Massachusetts
The air we all have to breathe is being destroyed due to wood smoke emissions and our health suffers…….(http://masscleanair.org/documents/letter.htm)
February 2004
To Board of Health Members in Massachusetts,
I first began complaining to health officials about wood smoke from residential wood burning in January 1999 when my neighbors who burn wood were unwilling to respond to my concerns about the wood smoke that I was being exposed to. Smoke was coming into my home, onto my property and into the air in my neighborhood, often forcing me back into my house because the wall of smoke was so thick. One neighbor told me I should move; another put out a no trespassing order on me; the third agreed to only burn wood, not trash, in his stove. All three of these neighbors are within 150 feet of my house and I am downwind of all of them. All were confident that they were perfectly within their rights and acted as though there was nothing I could do about the fact that their wood burning was disturbing me.
I called the Department of Environmental Protection, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Public Health. I also spoke with people at the BOH in Northampton, where there are wood smoke regulations, and read extensively about the laws governing Boards of Health in Massachusetts. Various people at DEP were quite sympathetic, and agreed with me that wood smoke is air pollution. But those I talked with have stated that there is no intention at this time for DEP to regulate wood burning, even though it is regulated in other states and municipalities. I concluded that the only help for someone in my situation was through the BOH, which has statutory authority to abate nuisances and regulate matters affecting public health including air pollution.
When I looked into the health effects of wood smoke I was surprised at the volume of information that was available. I learned that an average wood stove produces 500 times as much particulate air pollution as a well-tuned oil burner per hour, and 1000 times more than a gas burner. Wood smoke contains dioxin, a well known carcinogen. Wood ash from wood stoves in New England is often radioactive because above-ground nuclear testing that took place 50 years ago deposited radiation in this part of the country. The EPA estimates that at similar exposures, wood smoke is about 12 times as carcinogenic as secondhand tobacco smoke, and that the free radicals from cigarette smoke remain in a person's system for 30 seconds, while those from wood smoke act for 20 minutes. Toxicology and epidemiological studies overwhelmingly conclude that wood smoke is harmful to people's health, especially in sensitive populations such as infants, children, the elderly, and those with existing heart or lung problems.
In the presence of wood smoke, I have experienced chest pain and tightness, chronic sinus infections and other symptoms. These are average, predictable responses as reported in the literature. When I am not being exposed to wood smoke, I don't have these health problems. However, when I reported my concerns to the Buckland BOH, it refused to take any action to help me. My understanding of the BOH's reasoning in refusing to address this problem is that, first of all, wood smoke does not harm anyone's health except for mine. They believe that asking people to curtail their wood burning is unfair, even outrageous, because wood burning is a necessity and a way of life. They are afraid that challenging the practice of residential wood burning would interfere with people's privacy rights. Some people, the BOH believes, have no choice but to harvest wood from their property to heat their homes. It would be unfair to ask people in one neighborhood, such as a densely populated area, to curtail burning, while allowing others to continue to burn. The BOH's arguments focus on the supposed environmental, political and financial advantages to heating with wood. But when a Board of Health does not recognize wood smoke as a health hazard, it cannot fulfill its function of protecting the public's health.
I cannot remember anyone burning wood in the town of Greenfield where I lived for the first 19 years of my life. Maybe wood burning is a "way of life," but ways of life come and go; air pollution is air pollution regardless of its source. I have not found anything to suggest that wood smoke is exempted from the nuisance law. It is my understanding that the open burning law is also predicated on the idea that wood smoke is a health hazard. When my BOH refuses to consider wood smoke a nuisance and/or a health hazard, instead choosing to protect my neighbor's "right" to burn, the BOH fails to consider the impact that these activities have on the rights of others.
The practical outcome for me of the BOH's refusal to tackle the wood smoke problem has included the necessity of leaving my house completely for two winters because the smoke inside my house was so severe that I feared for my health and safety. Now I spend hundreds of dollars a year on air filters in an attempt to reduce my exposure inside my home, leave my home and stay elsewhere whenever I can, and avoid walking in my neighborhood in the evening because the smoke is often very thick. During the colder months, while people heat with wood, I have had to keep my windows closed to keep smoke from coming into my house, creating a situation where "fresh air" in my home is not a possibility. I may be forced to sell my home and move, and I know that there are others across the State in similar or worse situations.
The reasons that many people give for heating their homes with wood instead of with a cleaner fuel are typically that wood is a renewable resource; it is a more environmentally sound method of supplying energy than the production of fuel oil or natural gas; and it will help Americans be less dependent on foreign oil. After spending the last six years suffering the effects of wood smoke air pollution for eight months a year, I have to seriously question whether wood burning is a acceptable way of achieving these goals, especially in densely populated areas. There are other strategies we can use to reduce negative impacts associated with our energy use.
The cost of heating with wood is comparable to heating with oil, and in past years has been even more expensive. I am confident that lower income residents can be given access to cleaner fuels instead of being allowed or encouraged to pollute their own air and their neighbors' air. Wood burning contributes to poor air quality inside the homes in which it is occurring.
The BOH in Buckland has agreed to engage in education on this issue. This is a worthwhile and important thing that the Board can do. But the majority of this Board has said that there will be no consequences for those who continue to burn, even if complaints are lodged against them. I am concerned that, as long as this type of air pollution remains legally acceptable, it will continue to exist and the public health will remain unprotected.
I have personally spoken with others in Massachusetts with similar complaints. Amherst and Northampton have opacity regulations for wood stoves. I know that some Boards deal with this issue on a case by case basis and have been able to convince the wood burner to stop burning. I also know of a number of people who complained to their Boards and have gotten similar responses to those I have described here. We are left with difficult choices when our Boards choose not to help us. We can move, and run the risk that we will be faced with the same problem in our next home. We can stay and continue to try to influence our neighbors, our Boards and other lawmakers, or go to court with expensive private nuisance complaints. Or we can suffer in silence. Unfortunately, this last option is the most common response. I know of a number of people in Franklin County who are adversely affected by inhaling wood smoke but who are unwilling to complain about it for a number of reasons. One of these reasons is that they believe there is nothing that can be done.
Where I live, there are at least twenty homes that burn wood on a regular basis within 2000 feet of my house, and I am downwind of most of them. About half of them moved into their homes and started burning wood since the time I first complained. The wood smoke problem is not getting better in Buckland. Wanting clean air to breathe is not a lifestyle choice, an aesthetic preference, a financial consideration or the special desire of very sensitive individuals. It is a necessity for health and well-being. Wood smoke is not a fact of life. It is the result of choosing to burn wood.
I am hoping that as BOH members, reading this letter will encourage you to look carefully at the research that has been done on particulate air pollution exposure and the legal authority that you are entrusted with, and take seriously the wood smoke complaints that come before you. As far as I have been able to ascertain, Boards of Health are our only protection (other than expensive, time-consuming private lawsuits) from this type of air pollution in Massachusetts.
Sincerely,
Janet Sinclair, Buckland Board of Health
http://masscleanair.org/documents/letter.htm
February 2004
To Board of Health Members in Massachusetts,
I first began complaining to health officials about wood smoke from residential wood burning in January 1999 when my neighbors who burn wood were unwilling to respond to my concerns about the wood smoke that I was being exposed to. Smoke was coming into my home, onto my property and into the air in my neighborhood, often forcing me back into my house because the wall of smoke was so thick. One neighbor told me I should move; another put out a no trespassing order on me; the third agreed to only burn wood, not trash, in his stove. All three of these neighbors are within 150 feet of my house and I am downwind of all of them. All were confident that they were perfectly within their rights and acted as though there was nothing I could do about the fact that their wood burning was disturbing me.
I called the Department of Environmental Protection, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Public Health. I also spoke with people at the BOH in Northampton, where there are wood smoke regulations, and read extensively about the laws governing Boards of Health in Massachusetts. Various people at DEP were quite sympathetic, and agreed with me that wood smoke is air pollution. But those I talked with have stated that there is no intention at this time for DEP to regulate wood burning, even though it is regulated in other states and municipalities. I concluded that the only help for someone in my situation was through the BOH, which has statutory authority to abate nuisances and regulate matters affecting public health including air pollution.
When I looked into the health effects of wood smoke I was surprised at the volume of information that was available. I learned that an average wood stove produces 500 times as much particulate air pollution as a well-tuned oil burner per hour, and 1000 times more than a gas burner. Wood smoke contains dioxin, a well known carcinogen. Wood ash from wood stoves in New England is often radioactive because above-ground nuclear testing that took place 50 years ago deposited radiation in this part of the country. The EPA estimates that at similar exposures, wood smoke is about 12 times as carcinogenic as secondhand tobacco smoke, and that the free radicals from cigarette smoke remain in a person's system for 30 seconds, while those from wood smoke act for 20 minutes. Toxicology and epidemiological studies overwhelmingly conclude that wood smoke is harmful to people's health, especially in sensitive populations such as infants, children, the elderly, and those with existing heart or lung problems.
In the presence of wood smoke, I have experienced chest pain and tightness, chronic sinus infections and other symptoms. These are average, predictable responses as reported in the literature. When I am not being exposed to wood smoke, I don't have these health problems. However, when I reported my concerns to the Buckland BOH, it refused to take any action to help me. My understanding of the BOH's reasoning in refusing to address this problem is that, first of all, wood smoke does not harm anyone's health except for mine. They believe that asking people to curtail their wood burning is unfair, even outrageous, because wood burning is a necessity and a way of life. They are afraid that challenging the practice of residential wood burning would interfere with people's privacy rights. Some people, the BOH believes, have no choice but to harvest wood from their property to heat their homes. It would be unfair to ask people in one neighborhood, such as a densely populated area, to curtail burning, while allowing others to continue to burn. The BOH's arguments focus on the supposed environmental, political and financial advantages to heating with wood. But when a Board of Health does not recognize wood smoke as a health hazard, it cannot fulfill its function of protecting the public's health.
I cannot remember anyone burning wood in the town of Greenfield where I lived for the first 19 years of my life. Maybe wood burning is a "way of life," but ways of life come and go; air pollution is air pollution regardless of its source. I have not found anything to suggest that wood smoke is exempted from the nuisance law. It is my understanding that the open burning law is also predicated on the idea that wood smoke is a health hazard. When my BOH refuses to consider wood smoke a nuisance and/or a health hazard, instead choosing to protect my neighbor's "right" to burn, the BOH fails to consider the impact that these activities have on the rights of others.
The practical outcome for me of the BOH's refusal to tackle the wood smoke problem has included the necessity of leaving my house completely for two winters because the smoke inside my house was so severe that I feared for my health and safety. Now I spend hundreds of dollars a year on air filters in an attempt to reduce my exposure inside my home, leave my home and stay elsewhere whenever I can, and avoid walking in my neighborhood in the evening because the smoke is often very thick. During the colder months, while people heat with wood, I have had to keep my windows closed to keep smoke from coming into my house, creating a situation where "fresh air" in my home is not a possibility. I may be forced to sell my home and move, and I know that there are others across the State in similar or worse situations.
The reasons that many people give for heating their homes with wood instead of with a cleaner fuel are typically that wood is a renewable resource; it is a more environmentally sound method of supplying energy than the production of fuel oil or natural gas; and it will help Americans be less dependent on foreign oil. After spending the last six years suffering the effects of wood smoke air pollution for eight months a year, I have to seriously question whether wood burning is a acceptable way of achieving these goals, especially in densely populated areas. There are other strategies we can use to reduce negative impacts associated with our energy use.
The cost of heating with wood is comparable to heating with oil, and in past years has been even more expensive. I am confident that lower income residents can be given access to cleaner fuels instead of being allowed or encouraged to pollute their own air and their neighbors' air. Wood burning contributes to poor air quality inside the homes in which it is occurring.
The BOH in Buckland has agreed to engage in education on this issue. This is a worthwhile and important thing that the Board can do. But the majority of this Board has said that there will be no consequences for those who continue to burn, even if complaints are lodged against them. I am concerned that, as long as this type of air pollution remains legally acceptable, it will continue to exist and the public health will remain unprotected.
I have personally spoken with others in Massachusetts with similar complaints. Amherst and Northampton have opacity regulations for wood stoves. I know that some Boards deal with this issue on a case by case basis and have been able to convince the wood burner to stop burning. I also know of a number of people who complained to their Boards and have gotten similar responses to those I have described here. We are left with difficult choices when our Boards choose not to help us. We can move, and run the risk that we will be faced with the same problem in our next home. We can stay and continue to try to influence our neighbors, our Boards and other lawmakers, or go to court with expensive private nuisance complaints. Or we can suffer in silence. Unfortunately, this last option is the most common response. I know of a number of people in Franklin County who are adversely affected by inhaling wood smoke but who are unwilling to complain about it for a number of reasons. One of these reasons is that they believe there is nothing that can be done.
Where I live, there are at least twenty homes that burn wood on a regular basis within 2000 feet of my house, and I am downwind of most of them. About half of them moved into their homes and started burning wood since the time I first complained. The wood smoke problem is not getting better in Buckland. Wanting clean air to breathe is not a lifestyle choice, an aesthetic preference, a financial consideration or the special desire of very sensitive individuals. It is a necessity for health and well-being. Wood smoke is not a fact of life. It is the result of choosing to burn wood.
I am hoping that as BOH members, reading this letter will encourage you to look carefully at the research that has been done on particulate air pollution exposure and the legal authority that you are entrusted with, and take seriously the wood smoke complaints that come before you. As far as I have been able to ascertain, Boards of Health are our only protection (other than expensive, time-consuming private lawsuits) from this type of air pollution in Massachusetts.
Sincerely,
Janet Sinclair, Buckland Board of Health
http://masscleanair.org/documents/letter.htm
Los Altos (CA) --No new wood burning fireplaces law
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Published on December 24, 2003
Los Altos (CA) Town Crier
Tougher pollution laws may squelch holiday fireplace traditions
By Linda Taaffe / Town Crier Staff Writer
Tougher federal pollution standards could mean the end of one Christmas Day holiday tradition for some Santa Clara County residents - air district officials are urging residents to refrain from gathering around the glow of a cozy, crackling fire this season in order to keep air pollution at an acceptable level.
Officials said they anticipate issuing between seven to 10 "Spare the Air Tonight" advisories asking the public to voluntarily refrain from burning wood and driving between now and the end of January to meet the new air quality requirements.
This season's frequent rain has helped flush the atmosphere of pollutants. The air district has not had to issue advisories yet, a spokeswoman said Friday.
Wood burning and driving are the two major causes of air pollution in the winter time, especially during the holidays when people tend to gather and light a fire, a spokeswoman said.
A district report says burning wood causes up to 50 percent of the air pollution in Santa Clara County on some days. Every 1,000 woodburning fireplaces produces about 5 tons of pollution during the winter, she said. There are about 17,000 wood-burning fireplaces in the county.
Experts compared wood smoke to tobacco smoke. Wood smoke is toxic and especially dangerous for children and those with respiratory problems, said Jack Broadbent, air district CEO. "The worst kind of air pollution is created by burning wood. There is abundant health and scientific data on the dangers of exposure to the tiny particulates in wood smoke."
In Los Altos, the city introduced a wood-burning fireplace ban in 2001 after a resident allergic to wood smoke complained about the quality of air in her neighborhood.
As a result, no new wood-burning fireplaces may be built in Los Altos. The law is intended to reduce the toxic air pollutants.
http://www.latc.com/2003/12/24/news/news04.html
Los Altos (CA) Town Crier
Tougher pollution laws may squelch holiday fireplace traditions
By Linda Taaffe / Town Crier Staff Writer
Tougher federal pollution standards could mean the end of one Christmas Day holiday tradition for some Santa Clara County residents - air district officials are urging residents to refrain from gathering around the glow of a cozy, crackling fire this season in order to keep air pollution at an acceptable level.
Officials said they anticipate issuing between seven to 10 "Spare the Air Tonight" advisories asking the public to voluntarily refrain from burning wood and driving between now and the end of January to meet the new air quality requirements.
This season's frequent rain has helped flush the atmosphere of pollutants. The air district has not had to issue advisories yet, a spokeswoman said Friday.
Wood burning and driving are the two major causes of air pollution in the winter time, especially during the holidays when people tend to gather and light a fire, a spokeswoman said.
A district report says burning wood causes up to 50 percent of the air pollution in Santa Clara County on some days. Every 1,000 woodburning fireplaces produces about 5 tons of pollution during the winter, she said. There are about 17,000 wood-burning fireplaces in the county.
Experts compared wood smoke to tobacco smoke. Wood smoke is toxic and especially dangerous for children and those with respiratory problems, said Jack Broadbent, air district CEO. "The worst kind of air pollution is created by burning wood. There is abundant health and scientific data on the dangers of exposure to the tiny particulates in wood smoke."
In Los Altos, the city introduced a wood-burning fireplace ban in 2001 after a resident allergic to wood smoke complained about the quality of air in her neighborhood.
As a result, no new wood-burning fireplaces may be built in Los Altos. The law is intended to reduce the toxic air pollutants.
http://www.latc.com/2003/12/24/news/news04.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)