Leaf Burning Concerns Prompt State Caution

Des Moines -- Cautions against open burning were issued today by the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Public Health because of risks to persons with respiratory disease and concerns about toxic substances.

Smoke from open burning can irritate the conditions of some people with asthma, said an official with the Iowa Department of Public Health. "Since lung problems such as asthma are common," said Dr. Thomas Boo, a federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention epidemiologist assigned to the state public health department, "open burning is a public health concern." He said 200,000 Iowans have asthma and the disease caused children to miss nearly 140,000 days of school. Smoke is just one of many substances that can trigger an asthmatic reaction.

"Smoke contains microscopic soot particles that can damage lung tissue, send asthmatics to hospitals and create odor and haze nuisances," said Brian Button, air information specialist with the DNR. Smoke can create local air pollution levels much higher than all auto and industrial emissions combined. He said for many Iowa towns, the only time the air is filled with visible air pollution is when citizens burn leaves.

Button urged people to first consider cleaner, safer disposal options such as composting, mulching, recycling or municipal waste disposal instead of burning.

He said several communities have recently enacted bans on garbage and leaf burning due to health concerns.

Iowans can learn more about air quality at www.iowacleanair.com and asthma at www.idph.state.ia.us/hppab/asthma_content/.

For more information cantact Brian Button of the Iowa DNR Air Quality Bureau by phone at 515-281-7832 or by email at brian.button@dnr.iowa.gov.