Chemist: wood smoke is 'really nasty'
Special to the Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/366455
May 09, 2008
The Hamilton Spectator
(May 9, 2008)
McMaster University chemist Brian McCarry says the toxic content of smoke from fireplaces and old-fashioned wood stoves is similar to that of diesel exhaust and tobacco smoke.
"The chemical composition of wood smoke, especially from low-temperature fires, is really nasty," said McCarry, who is chair of Clean Air Hamilton. "It's no different from cigarette smoke in particle size, and the loading of methylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is about the same.
"There's no question it has a health impact," he said, commenting on a recent court ruling that held a Niagara couple responsible for $270,000 in damages and legal costs for blanketing their neighbours' yard with smoke from a wood-burning stove in their garage.
"The message from Clean Air Hamilton is that wood smoke is as big a danger as any other combustion source. Because it is considered natural, it is considered benign, but it's really a very dirty energy source."
A Health Canada fact sheet says wood smoke "contains a number of pollutants that can be harmful to your health," including cancer-causing dioxins.
"Exposure to the pollutants in wood smoke can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea and dizziness. Wood smoke can also make asthma worse, and has been associated with an increase in respiratory problems. In addition, studies of laboratory animals suggest that prolonged exposure to wood smoke may weaken the immune system."
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says breathing wood smoke is not healthy for anyone, but:
* "If you have heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or asthma, you may experience health effects earlier and at lower smoke levels than healthy people.
* "Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke, possibly because they are more likely to have chronic heart or lung diseases than younger people.
* "Children also are more susceptible to smoke for several reasons; their respiratory systems are still developing; they breathe more air (and air pollution) per pound of body weight than adults, and they're more likely to be active outdoors."
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/366455
Burning issue costs neighbour $270,000
Friday, May 9, 2008
Burning issue costs neighbour $270,000 TheSpec.com - Local
Eric McGuinness
The Hamilton Spectator
(May 9, 2008)
A Hamilton judge has ordered a Niagara couple to pay their next-door neighbours $270,000 in damages and legal costs for the nuisance caused by smoke from a wood stove in their garage.
It's believed to be the first Canadian court ruling involving health effects of wood smoke, which some experts say is as dangerous as tobacco smoke. Ontario Superior Justice James Ramsay blamed Travers Fitzpatrick of Fonthill -- who was Welland city manager when the suit was filed in 2002 -- for acts he called "reckless, destructive, persistent and heedless of their neighbours' physical integrity and property rights;" and blamed his wife, Valerie, for allowing them to happen.
In his judgment Feb. 28, Ramsay held them jointly responsible for paying David and Brenda Deumos general damages of $80,000, punitive damages of $20,000 and legal costs of $170,000.
Hamilton lawyer Lou Frapporti, who represented the Deumos, said he had "literally begged" the Fitzpatricks to settle for $5,000 to avoid a trial.
Eric McGuinness
The Hamilton Spectator
(May 9, 2008)
A Hamilton judge has ordered a Niagara couple to pay their next-door neighbours $270,000 in damages and legal costs for the nuisance caused by smoke from a wood stove in their garage.
It's believed to be the first Canadian court ruling involving health effects of wood smoke, which some experts say is as dangerous as tobacco smoke. Ontario Superior Justice James Ramsay blamed Travers Fitzpatrick of Fonthill -- who was Welland city manager when the suit was filed in 2002 -- for acts he called "reckless, destructive, persistent and heedless of their neighbours' physical integrity and property rights;" and blamed his wife, Valerie, for allowing them to happen.
In his judgment Feb. 28, Ramsay held them jointly responsible for paying David and Brenda Deumos general damages of $80,000, punitive damages of $20,000 and legal costs of $170,000.
Hamilton lawyer Lou Frapporti, who represented the Deumos, said he had "literally begged" the Fitzpatricks to settle for $5,000 to avoid a trial.
DEC Proposes Rule Change To Eliminate Open Burning
Thursday, May 8, 2008
DEC Proposes Rule Change To Eliminate Open Burning
http://www.wbng.com/news/local/18733909.html
By WBNG News
Story Created: May 7, 2008 at 2:30 PM EDT
Story Updated: May 7, 2008 at 3:34 PM EDT
In an effort to reduce the impacts of pollutants such as dioxins, particulate matter and carbon monoxide and to limit the risks of wildfires, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is proposing to extend the ban on open burning statewide.
Open burning of residential wastes in any city or village, or in any town with a population of 20,000 or more has been prohibited since 1972.
Once considered harmless, open burning has been found to release more dangerous chemicals into the air than thought generations ago. A recent study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with DEC and the State Department of Health, found that emissions of dioxins and furans from backyard burning alone were greater than all other sources combined for the years 2002-04. The study also found that burning trash emits arsenic, carbon monoxide, benzene, styrene, formaldehyde, lead, hydrogen cyanide and other harmful chemicals. Trash containing plastics, polystyrene, pressure-treated and painted wood and bleached or colored papers can produce harmful chemicals when burned.
In addition to releasing pollutants, open burning is the largest single cause of wildfires in New York State. Data from DEC’s Forest Protection Division show that debris burning accounted for about 40 percent of wildfires between 1986 and 2006 – more than twice the next most-cited source. In 2006 alone, debris burning triggered 98 wildfires in the state.
“This is a public health and safety issue,” said DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis. “The trash we are burning has become more complicated and damaging to air quality over the decades. From dioxins to furans to arsenic, numerous toxic chemicals can be released by open burning – worries we didn’t have several decades ago. Moreover, wildfires occur regularly from badly tended open fires. This proposal will reduce the chances of that happening.”
The proposed rule does allow for a number of exceptions, including camp fires, prescribed burns, celebratory bonfires (where allowed), fire training exercises, specialized burning to protect crops from frostbite and burning of agricultural wastes (though not agricultural plastics). The state will conduct a series of public hearings on the proposal (schedule below).
Prior to releasing the proposal, DEC held meetings and received input from stakeholders and state agencies.
The proposal has won backing from environmental and health groups and the Firemen’s Association of New York State (FASNY).
“Limiting the amount of open burning is a win for the lungs of New Yorkers,” said Michael Seilback, Senior Director of Public Policy & Advocacy for the American Lung Association of New York State. “According to the 2008 American Lung Association State of the Air report, residents of all regions of the state are breathing air with dangerously high levels of both particulate matter and ozone, and reducing the amount of open burning will have a positive impact for those suffering from asthma and lung diseases.”
“Our main concern is the safety aspect of the open burn process,” said Michael Wutz, FASNY president. “But there are other concerns too. Burn barrels can cause smoke, and that triggers fire responders, which can overtax personnel. Also, open burning of household solid waste has been proven to also generate toxic pollution that undeniably contributes to public health risks.”
Public Hearings on the proposed rule change will be held as follows:
Monday, June 23, 2008, 5-8 p.m. Cortlandville Fire Department, 999 Route 13, Cortland, NY 13045
Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 5-8 p.m. Norrie Point Environmental Center, Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park, 256 Norrie Point Way, Staatsburg, NY 12580
Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 9:30 a.m. - Noon. DEC Central Office, 625 Broadway, Public Assembly Room 129, Albany, NY 12233
Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 5-8 p.m. DEC Central Office, 625 Broadway, Public Assembly Room 129, Albany, NY 12233
Thursday, June 26, 2008, 5-8 p.m. Harrietstown Town Hall, Main Street and Lake Flower Avenue, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Monday, June 30, 2008, 5-8 p.m. Dulles State Office Building, 1st Floor Auditorium, 317 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601
Wednesday, July 2, 2008, 5-8 p.m. Genesee Community College, College Drive, Conable Technology Building, Room T102, Batavia, NY 14020
The proposed regulations are published in today's issue of the State Register and the public may provide comments during the formal 45-day comment period that begins with publication in the Register.
To read the proposal, go to www.dec.ny.gov and select “Proposed Regulations” from the left column and find the proposal on open burning. This will provide links to send written e-mail comments. Or, comments can be mailed to: NYSDEC, Division of Air Resources, Attention: Robert Stanton, 625 Broadway, Albany NY 12233-3254.
For more information on the dangers associated with open burning, visit the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/32064.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Special P.S. from Julie Mellum.....
The world is waking up to the hazards of wood smoke. Of special note is that formaldehyde, arsenic, lead and mercury, and also dioxins and furans are present in “clean” wood combustion to begin with. Burning trash only adds to the already-toxic mix. We need a Rule like this on all wood combustion for recreational purposes. We need limits and better containment on industrial burning and restaurant wood grills. Breaking news that wood smoke contributes to global warming is an added reason for immediate attention to wood burning issues.
Julie Mellum
Midwest Director, Clean Air Revival, www.burningissues.org
President, Take Back the Air
http://www.wbng.com/news/local/18733909.html
By WBNG News
Story Created: May 7, 2008 at 2:30 PM EDT
Story Updated: May 7, 2008 at 3:34 PM EDT
In an effort to reduce the impacts of pollutants such as dioxins, particulate matter and carbon monoxide and to limit the risks of wildfires, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is proposing to extend the ban on open burning statewide.
Open burning of residential wastes in any city or village, or in any town with a population of 20,000 or more has been prohibited since 1972.
Once considered harmless, open burning has been found to release more dangerous chemicals into the air than thought generations ago. A recent study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with DEC and the State Department of Health, found that emissions of dioxins and furans from backyard burning alone were greater than all other sources combined for the years 2002-04. The study also found that burning trash emits arsenic, carbon monoxide, benzene, styrene, formaldehyde, lead, hydrogen cyanide and other harmful chemicals. Trash containing plastics, polystyrene, pressure-treated and painted wood and bleached or colored papers can produce harmful chemicals when burned.
In addition to releasing pollutants, open burning is the largest single cause of wildfires in New York State. Data from DEC’s Forest Protection Division show that debris burning accounted for about 40 percent of wildfires between 1986 and 2006 – more than twice the next most-cited source. In 2006 alone, debris burning triggered 98 wildfires in the state.
“This is a public health and safety issue,” said DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis. “The trash we are burning has become more complicated and damaging to air quality over the decades. From dioxins to furans to arsenic, numerous toxic chemicals can be released by open burning – worries we didn’t have several decades ago. Moreover, wildfires occur regularly from badly tended open fires. This proposal will reduce the chances of that happening.”
The proposed rule does allow for a number of exceptions, including camp fires, prescribed burns, celebratory bonfires (where allowed), fire training exercises, specialized burning to protect crops from frostbite and burning of agricultural wastes (though not agricultural plastics). The state will conduct a series of public hearings on the proposal (schedule below).
Prior to releasing the proposal, DEC held meetings and received input from stakeholders and state agencies.
The proposal has won backing from environmental and health groups and the Firemen’s Association of New York State (FASNY).
“Limiting the amount of open burning is a win for the lungs of New Yorkers,” said Michael Seilback, Senior Director of Public Policy & Advocacy for the American Lung Association of New York State. “According to the 2008 American Lung Association State of the Air report, residents of all regions of the state are breathing air with dangerously high levels of both particulate matter and ozone, and reducing the amount of open burning will have a positive impact for those suffering from asthma and lung diseases.”
“Our main concern is the safety aspect of the open burn process,” said Michael Wutz, FASNY president. “But there are other concerns too. Burn barrels can cause smoke, and that triggers fire responders, which can overtax personnel. Also, open burning of household solid waste has been proven to also generate toxic pollution that undeniably contributes to public health risks.”
Public Hearings on the proposed rule change will be held as follows:
Monday, June 23, 2008, 5-8 p.m. Cortlandville Fire Department, 999 Route 13, Cortland, NY 13045
Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 5-8 p.m. Norrie Point Environmental Center, Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park, 256 Norrie Point Way, Staatsburg, NY 12580
Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 9:30 a.m. - Noon. DEC Central Office, 625 Broadway, Public Assembly Room 129, Albany, NY 12233
Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 5-8 p.m. DEC Central Office, 625 Broadway, Public Assembly Room 129, Albany, NY 12233
Thursday, June 26, 2008, 5-8 p.m. Harrietstown Town Hall, Main Street and Lake Flower Avenue, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Monday, June 30, 2008, 5-8 p.m. Dulles State Office Building, 1st Floor Auditorium, 317 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601
Wednesday, July 2, 2008, 5-8 p.m. Genesee Community College, College Drive, Conable Technology Building, Room T102, Batavia, NY 14020
The proposed regulations are published in today's issue of the State Register and the public may provide comments during the formal 45-day comment period that begins with publication in the Register.
To read the proposal, go to www.dec.ny.gov and select “Proposed Regulations” from the left column and find the proposal on open burning. This will provide links to send written e-mail comments. Or, comments can be mailed to: NYSDEC, Division of Air Resources, Attention: Robert Stanton, 625 Broadway, Albany NY 12233-3254.
For more information on the dangers associated with open burning, visit the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/32064.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Special P.S. from Julie Mellum.....
The world is waking up to the hazards of wood smoke. Of special note is that formaldehyde, arsenic, lead and mercury, and also dioxins and furans are present in “clean” wood combustion to begin with. Burning trash only adds to the already-toxic mix. We need a Rule like this on all wood combustion for recreational purposes. We need limits and better containment on industrial burning and restaurant wood grills. Breaking news that wood smoke contributes to global warming is an added reason for immediate attention to wood burning issues.
Julie Mellum
Midwest Director, Clean Air Revival, www.burningissues.org
President, Take Back the Air
Shaken faith in environmental protection-Daily Herald Editorial
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Daily Herald Newspaper Editorial
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Published May 4, 2008
Shaken faith in environmental protection
It is a terrifying moment when people find out their homes or nearby land may be contaminated.
And it is at these times they turn to government for support and counsel. They put their faith that those hired to protect the environment and the public will put forth their best efforts to keep them from harm, or assure them there is no risk to their health.
If that faith has been shaken in DuPage County, it's understandable.
A few years back, many people in unincorporated areas near Lisle and Downers Grove were caught by surprise when they found out their well water had become contaminated by a potentially toxic chemical. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency didn't immediately notify residents of this. People shouldn't have had to be drinking bad water for years before finding out there was something in it that could harm them. Indeed, this led to the adoption of a new state law aimed at ensuring that people who live next to a contaminated site are effectively and promptly notified of such.
Now the IEPA is under fire again. This time, the criticism centers around its handling of methane gas leaks from the Mallard Lake landfill near Hanover Park.
Last week the IEPA issued a violation notice to BFI Waste Systems, which runs the landfill, noting the company failed to report problems including high methane levels, though officials say no homes or residents are at risk. The agency has asked BFI to submit a plan outlining how it will solve these problems. BFI said it is working with the state.
But an attorney representing residents who live by Mallard Lake said such action should have been taken long ago.
"The enduring disappointment is how nonexistent the government's response has been," Naperville attorney Shawn Collins said.
The IEPA was aware of methane leaks above safe levels around Mallard Lake in 1994 and 2000. That's why residents -- who are suing both BFI and the DuPage County Forest Preserve District, which owns the landfill -- are so angry.
It is also interesting to note that in both the instance of the contaminated wells, and now the landfill, the IEPA maintained that it did not get full notification from companies when looking into complaints of alleged pollution. If that is indeed true, then the logical follow-up would determine if there needs to be any changes in laws or regulations to assure prompt and complete notification from companies.
The IEPA also stated it has taken enforcement actions against the landfill operators in the past. Then why hasn't that worked to resolve problems in the present?
We know the IEPA has to juggle many things in acting on complaints. It can't be alarmist and must expect full cooperation from a company while at the same time not unduly putting that company's reputation at risk.
But nor can it come off as a bureaucracy not living up to its primary mission -- protecting the public and being a watchdog over the environment.
Note..Congratulations to the Daily Herald on their dynamic editorial.
One more note.....How about the Illinois EPA addressing a noxious, harmful, toxic, and deadly airborne emission that is harmful to the environment and killing people....wood smoke!!!!!!
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Published May 4, 2008
Shaken faith in environmental protection
It is a terrifying moment when people find out their homes or nearby land may be contaminated.
And it is at these times they turn to government for support and counsel. They put their faith that those hired to protect the environment and the public will put forth their best efforts to keep them from harm, or assure them there is no risk to their health.
If that faith has been shaken in DuPage County, it's understandable.
A few years back, many people in unincorporated areas near Lisle and Downers Grove were caught by surprise when they found out their well water had become contaminated by a potentially toxic chemical. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency didn't immediately notify residents of this. People shouldn't have had to be drinking bad water for years before finding out there was something in it that could harm them. Indeed, this led to the adoption of a new state law aimed at ensuring that people who live next to a contaminated site are effectively and promptly notified of such.
Now the IEPA is under fire again. This time, the criticism centers around its handling of methane gas leaks from the Mallard Lake landfill near Hanover Park.
Last week the IEPA issued a violation notice to BFI Waste Systems, which runs the landfill, noting the company failed to report problems including high methane levels, though officials say no homes or residents are at risk. The agency has asked BFI to submit a plan outlining how it will solve these problems. BFI said it is working with the state.
But an attorney representing residents who live by Mallard Lake said such action should have been taken long ago.
"The enduring disappointment is how nonexistent the government's response has been," Naperville attorney Shawn Collins said.
The IEPA was aware of methane leaks above safe levels around Mallard Lake in 1994 and 2000. That's why residents -- who are suing both BFI and the DuPage County Forest Preserve District, which owns the landfill -- are so angry.
It is also interesting to note that in both the instance of the contaminated wells, and now the landfill, the IEPA maintained that it did not get full notification from companies when looking into complaints of alleged pollution. If that is indeed true, then the logical follow-up would determine if there needs to be any changes in laws or regulations to assure prompt and complete notification from companies.
The IEPA also stated it has taken enforcement actions against the landfill operators in the past. Then why hasn't that worked to resolve problems in the present?
We know the IEPA has to juggle many things in acting on complaints. It can't be alarmist and must expect full cooperation from a company while at the same time not unduly putting that company's reputation at risk.
But nor can it come off as a bureaucracy not living up to its primary mission -- protecting the public and being a watchdog over the environment.
Note..Congratulations to the Daily Herald on their dynamic editorial.
One more note.....How about the Illinois EPA addressing a noxious, harmful, toxic, and deadly airborne emission that is harmful to the environment and killing people....wood smoke!!!!!!
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