22 January 2013
SMOKE: The Riverside wood-burning fireplace ban is best for health and the environment.
By Kate Doak, Staff Writer
For years, scientists and environmentalists have been warning the world about the major harm of burning wood to the environment. Heavily populated urban areas were getting the worst damage and here in Riverside it was not much better. Fortunately, the levels of dangerous smog and pollution have decreased in recent years due to pushes made by both the state and local governments, but the level of pollution is still considerably dangerous. The city of Riverside and its surrounding areas have initiated a ban on wood-burning fireplaces that permits fires only on certain days to prevent more pollution and protect public health. While the pollution levels have gone down, the need to protect the environment and our health is more important than having a cozy fire.
The ban began on 26 November 2012 following a similar ban in the Burbank area. The ban is supposed to cover the greater Riverside and Jurupa Valley areas, targeting stagnant air in the Inland area caused by trapped soot and other pollution. “We want to prevent the addition of particle pollution from wood-burning fireplaces to protect public health,” Sam Atwood, spokesman for the South Coast Air Quality Management District, said. This organization is concerned about the effects of fine-particle pollution, and for good reason. Heart disease, aggravated asthma, stunted lung development and premature death have all been linked to this type of pollution. In fact, wood smoke and cigarette smoke were actually found to be quite similar, as both are carcinogenic. According to Environment and Human Health Incorporated, wood smoke contains various “irritant gases” that can harm and scar the lungs and even damage the layer of cells that protect and cleanse the airways. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the pollutants in wood smoke are so small that they cannot be filtered by the nose or upper respiratory system, leaving lungs completely defenseless. Beyond human health is the aspect of environmental damage caused by wood smoke. The toxins from burning wood can travel all over the region and affect not only humans, but also wild life in oceans and rural areas. Weather patterns can even influence the spread of these pollutants.
The safety and health of the public are extremely important and protecting an already damaged environment should be priority. However, for those who enjoy the coziness of a toasty winter evening fire, there are a few exceptions. The ban does not apply to gas fireplaces or gas stoves and grills, which allows people to have the fire they love without the health risk. If the sounds of crackling wood and a “homey” atmosphere are not a necessity, stick to a central heating system. They are more efficient and more health-friendly. Losing that traditional fire is not the end of the world when exchanged for breathable air.