One of my readers who is negatively impacted by neighbors smoke in the winter, keeps me abreast about burning issues in California... especially her neighborhood in Northern California.
Here's a press release from CARB she forwarded from last week.
Apparently, our state is talking about the ill-health effects from wood-burning. Now we'll need action. If wood-smoke bothers you, I encourage you to contact your local air quality control district--by email, mail, phone, and showing up--and tell them to educate the community and enforce new rules.
Wood smoke is a serious threat to public health
Fireplace smoke is major source of winter time air pollution
SACRAMENTO: Today, the Air Resources Board heard the results of several studies that show smoke from wood fires aggravates lung and heart disease and increases the number of hospital admissions.
"Today's report to the Board underscores the need for air districts throughout the state to curtail fireplace burning when air quality is suffering," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "This starkly illustrates our need to continue reducing particulate matter emissions."
At this morning's hearing, board members heard a presentation of research results that indicate exposure to wood smoke may reduce lung function and reduce the blood's ability to clot properly. In addition, wood smoke exposure may also increase substances in the body that lead to cardio-vascular and pulmonary inflammation.
These health threats could be particularly dangerous to those with preexisting heart or lung disease.
ARB research staff reviewed four recent national toxicological studies in presenting today's findings to the Board. The findings support fireplace ordinances that many local air districts throughout California are implementing.
The research found that wood smoke can cause a 10 percent increase of hospital admissions for respiratory problems among children. ARB estimates that between 20 to 80 percent of ambient wintertime particulate matter is due to wood smoke. Studies have found up to 70 percent of smoke from chimneys can re-enter a home or neighboring residences.
Wood smoke consists of several pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter and other irritating and toxic components. California's wood smoke problem and its pollution problem in general, are compounded by the state's geography and weather. The many valleys and calm air cause the pollutants to remain at ground level rather than be swept away.
In several areas throughout California, air quality officials are restricting residential wood burning on days when particulate matter pollution is expected to be high. These and other strategies are substantially reducing wintertime peak particulate matter levels and therefore should reduce the risk of cardiovascular hospitalizations and premature deaths.
The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.
To read another article on smoke pollution subject, including an air purifier possible solution, click here.
If you work with an air pollution agency that is in need of public relations, community outreach and education, consider Go Green PR.
To read another article on smoke pollution subject, including an air purifier possible solution, click here.
If you work with an air pollution agency that is in need of public relations, community outreach and education, consider Go Green PR.
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