Communicating the Health Effects of Residential Wood Smoke

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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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