communicating the health effects of residential wood smoke u.s. environmental protection agency1...
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Communicating the Health Effects of Residential Wood Smoke
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1
Leigh HerringtonNational Air Quality Conference
February 12, 2014
Health Effects of Wood Smoke• Wood smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine
particles produced when wood and other organic matter burn.
• Fine particles (also called particle pollution, particulate matter, or PM) from wood smoke are harmful to your health.
• In addition to particle pollution, wood smoke contains several other air pollutants including benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein and methane.
• The particle pollution in wood smoke can affect everyone. Some of the most vulnerable are:– People with certain health conditions such as heart or lung disease or
asthma– Older adults– Children and teens
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Fine Particle Health Effects• Causes watery eyes, stuffy noses, and chest tightness;
• Irritates the airways causing coughing or difficulty breathing;
• Decreases lung function;
• Triggers asthma attacks;
• May lead to: – Chronic bronchitis; – Irregular heartbeat; – Nonfatal heart attacks; and – Early death in people with heart or lung disease.
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Fine Particle Health Effects
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• Research indicates that obesity or diabetes may increase risk.
• New or expectant mothers may also want to take precautions to protect the health of their babies.
• Studies suggest harmful developmental and reproductive effects, such as infant mortality and low birth weight.
• Some studies also suggest that long-term PM 2.5 exposures may be linked to cancer.
• Particle Pollution and Health (2012)- http://epa.gov/pm/2012/decfshealth.pdf
Ways to Help Protect Health
• Burn dry, seasoned wood that has been split, stacked, covered and stored for 6-12 months.
• Test wood with a moisture meter (20% moisture or less is best).
• Use a cleaner-burning gas, pellet or wood stove.
• Make sure to provide sufficient air to the fire; never let it smolder.
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Health InfoGraphic• Visual message to promote
cleaner burning
• Great for websites, social media and newsletters
• To download, visit http://epa.gov/burnwise/kit.html
Wood Smoke and Your Health: Breathe Easier
Click here to view the video
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Additional Videos
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Split, Stack, Cover and Store- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo1--Zrh11s
Wet Wood is a Waste- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM2WGgRcnm0
The Pledge- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev4XogvRbME
Health Awareness Kit
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• Burn Wise Infographic
• Wood Stove and Fireplace Safety Tips to Protect Your Health article
• Burn Wise Top 20 Social Media Posts
• Burn Wise Fast Facts
http://epa.gov/burnwise/kit.html
Other• Wet Wood is a Waste brochure-
http://www.epa.gov/burnwise/pdfs/wetwoodwastebrochure.pdf
• Public Service Announcements- http://epa.gov/burnwise/psas.html
For State, Tribal and Local Training• Reducing Residential Wood Smoke Training Video-
http://www.epa.gov/apti/video/Larry%20Brockman%20Revised%20051410.wmv
• Strategies for Reducing Wood Smoke- http://epa.gov/burnwise/pdfs/strategies.pdf
Social Media• Join us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/EPABurnWise
• Follow us on Twitterhttp://twitter.com/epaburnwise
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Want More Information?
herrington.leigh@epa.gov or 919-541-0882
brockman.larry@epa.gov or 919-541-5398
www.epa.gov/burnwise
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