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Communicating the Health Effects of Residential Wood Smoke

Communicating the Health Effects of Residential Wood Smoke. Leigh Herrington National 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.

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Communicating the Health Effects of Residential Wood Smoke

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  1. Communicating the Health Effects of Residential Wood Smoke Leigh Herrington National Air Quality Conference February 12, 2014 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

  2. 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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

  3. 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. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

  4. Fine Particle Health Effects • 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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

  5. 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. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

  6. Health InfoGraphic • Visual message to promote cleaner burning • Great for websites, social media and newsletters • To download, visit http://epa.gov/burnwise/kit.html U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

  7. Wood Smoke and Your Health: Breathe Easier Click here to view the video U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

  8. Additional Videos 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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

  9. Health Awareness Kit • 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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

  10. Social Media • Join us on Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/EPABurnWise • Follow us on Twitterhttp://twitter.com/epaburnwise U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

  11. Want More Information? herrington.leigh@epa.gov or 919-541-0882 brockman.larry@epa.gov or 919-541-5398 www.epa.gov/burnwise U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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