Two Letters to the Editor-September 10, 2007

Two letters to the editor supporting the ban on outside fireplaces/fire pits published in the Daily Herald newspaper-Arlington Hts, Illinois.
Newspaper covers Chicago suburban communities.

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Fence Post-Letter to the Editor
Daily Herald Newspaper
Paddock Publications
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Published--September 10, 2007

Support growing for fireplace bans

To the editor: From the many supportive responses that I have received since my letter appeared (Aug 13) on seeking a ban on all outside, wood burning fireplaces/fire pits which cause unnecessary and unneeded air pollution and is harmful to our health, I encourage people to contact their elected officials.
Also, a writer asked where more information can be attained about negative effects of wood-burning emissions: http://burningissues.org/car-www/index.html.

Local communities and the state are in the midst of an air pollution and health disaster that is being felt in many states. The particulates (PM2.5) in the emissions from outside and inside wood-burning fireplaces and fire pits enter the lungs of all who happen to be in the area, even with all the doors and windows closed.
As L. Backus and E. Backus wrote at burningissues.org, a neighbor who burns wood and thus deprives other neighbors their right to breathe fresh air, is committing environmental terrorism.

Wood smoke is heavier than air and does not rise and disappear. These emissions can be trapped near the ground and drift along the ground into our yard, home, and our lungs. Wood-burning releases many air pollutants: chlorinated dioxin; carbon monoxide; methane; volatile organic compounds; nitrogen oxides; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; and fine particulate matter.

Supporting a prohibition on outside, wood-burning fireplaces, fire pits, outside wood boilers, chimineas, and burn barrels in our communities and throughout the state of Illinois is an easy, cost-free and pro-active way to save our air and prevent health problems.

Also, prohibit new construction of inside wood-burning fireplaces.
The state of Illinois should also pay the cost (up to 50 percent or a maximum dollar amount) to those who voluntarily covert their inside wood-burning fireplace to gas or electric.

To add your name and address to the Supporters List e-mail me at breathe.healthy.air@gmail.com, or snail mail to P O. Box 861, Elk Grove Village, IL. 60009. Together, we can end the unneeded and unnecessary air pollution and negative health effects of these noxious, poisonous and harmful emissions before it's too late for the environment ... and us!

Elk Grove Village, Illinois
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Fence Post-Letter to the Editor
Daily Herald Newspaper
Paddock Publications
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Published--September 10, 2007

Outdoor fireplaces should be banned

My neighbors and I were recently assaulted by smoke coming from another neighbor's outside wood-burning fireplace. We had to go into the house, but it was too late. The smell and smoke was already inside! Why should we have to leave our backyard deck and close our doors and windows (which did not help!) because someone wants to burn wood or whatever? I believe the smoke is very bad for everyone, and especially those with medical conditions, like asthma. Let's not allow anyone to pollute the air and property of others. Ban those outside wood-burning fireplaces.


Arlington Heights, Illinois