Over the last several years there has been growing recognition within the scientific community that particulate matter pollution increases health risks for young children, the elderly, allergy suffers, and people with lung, heart, or circulatory system diseases. This evidence has resulted in the adoption of tighter federal ambient air quality standards for particulate matter. In our region, the largest source of particulate matter pollution is wood smoke.
Wood smoke contains many organic compounds known to cause cancer as well as other toxic compounds.
Many area residents, though, still chose to burn wood to supply some portion of their heat. Even the cleanest wood burning devices on the market produce much higher pollution levels than any other form of heat. To minimize pollution from wood stoves and avoid impacting the health of neighbors, residents should consider switching to cleaner forms of heating, if possible. Pollution builds up overnight at ground level during stagnant, calm, cold periods. During such times, use alternative sources of heat if available.