Burning this type of material releases halogenated hydrocarbons, which are carbon compounds associated with blood abnormalities, low white blood cells and leukemia. None of us likes the increased cost of trash disposal, particularly those of old enough to remember how cheap it seemed a generation ago when we brought our rubbish to the town dump and everything got burned or buried. We now know there are greater costs associated with open burning. Burning trash produces carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and other pollutants. The health effects of inhaling or digesting these pollutants can range from mild throat irritation to bronchitis, pneumonia and a lower resistance to lung infections.
People already suffering from heart or lung disease face a greater risk of serious illness or death.
The more sensible approach to getting rid of our trash is to, first, produce less of it, second, recycle as much as we can and, third, properly dispose of the remainder. We all should look for products with refillable or reusable containers and less packaging, and then recycle as much of what remains as possible, which will save money on your trash bill. For waste that can't be recycled or reused, please dispose of it legally. Canute Dalmasse is the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation in the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources.