Wood smoke: Know the Facts
Wood Smoke…
1. Violates the property
rights of others to use and enjoy their property smoke-free.
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2. Contains many of the
same toxins that are in tobacco smoke. These include lead, mercury, arsenic,
benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carbon monoxide and
dioxin(s), “some of the most insidious chemicals known to man.” (Harvard School
of Public Health). They also accumulate in the environment.
3. Is implicated in
asthma attacks, heart attacks and premature death in people of all ages,
including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
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4. Violates the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) Guidelines by presenting a “barrier” to those with
disabilities such as asthma, preventing them from accessing public spaces.
Parks, bike paths, playgrounds, sidewalks, outdoor sports and public gatherings
are often inaccessible and unhealthy, due to wood smoke.
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5. Stresses everyone’s
immune system. Children, the elderly, and those with asthma, lung or heart
issues, diabetes or other disabilities are among the most vulnerable.
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6. Is a major source of
black carbon soot fine particulates, which are bundled with cancer-causing and
hormone-disrupting chemicals.
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7. Is implicated in
reproductive birth defects and childhood diseases including asthma, pneumonia,
cancer, autism, Asperger's Syndrome, allergies and other disorders.
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8. Interferes with the
seeding of rain and moisture in clouds, and also accelerates the melting of
glaciers (www.burningissues.org/car-www/science/Climate/index.html) and
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/apr/20/black-carbon-emissions).
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9. Burning wood is an
increasingly serious fire hazard. Please don’t burn wood!
