To Speak Freely. Smoke concentrations in many communities are high enough to cause adverse respiratory health effects. Increases in smoke pollution in those communities produce measurable health degradation, including increased illness, absenteeism, hospitalization, and even premature death. Some smoke particles are so tiny that they can seep into neighboring houses even around closed doors and windows. Studies show that children living in areas affected by wood smoke have lower levels of lung function during and following the woodburing season.
Children have lower lung function the day after exposure to high concentrations of wood smoke.
Particles smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter can be inhaled into the lung without being intercepted by the nose or pharynx and these smaller particles pose a threat to the respiratory system. Researchers have found that fine particulate matter lodges in and alters lung tissue, increasing the incidents of respiratory illness, cardiovascular stress and aggravating asthma, particularly for children. Woodsmoke contains a bewildering array of organic and inorganic compounds, the normal byproducts of wood combustion. It may also contain a variety of proven and suspected carcinogens. Nitrogen Dioxide - breathing high levels of nitrogen dioxide causes irritation of the respiratory tract and causes shortness of breath.