1. Communicating the Health Effects of Residential Wood Smoke U.S. Environmental Protection Agency1 Leigh Herrington National Air Quality Conference February 12, 2014

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 Agency2

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 Agency3

4. Fine Particle Health Effects U.S. Environmental Protection Agency4 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.pdfhttp://epa.gov/pm/2012/decfshealth.pdf

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 Agency5

6. 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 http://epa.gov/burnwise/kit.html

7. Wood Smoke and Your Health: Breathe Easier Click here to view the video U.S. Environmental Protection Agency7

8. Additional Videos U.S. Environmental Protection Agency8 Split, Stack, Cover and Store- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo1--Zrh11s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo1--Zrh11s Wet Wood is a Waste- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM2WGgRcnm0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM2WGgRcnm0 The Pledge- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev4XogvRbME http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev4XogvRbME

9. Health Awareness Kit U.S. Environmental Protection Agency9 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 http://www.epa.gov/burnwise/pdfs/wetwoodwastebrochure.pdf Public Service Announcements- http://epa.gov/burnwise/psas.htmlhttp://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 http://www.epa.gov/apti/video/Larry%20Brockman%20Revised%20051410.wmv Strategies for Reducing Wood Smoke- http://epa.gov/burnwise/pdfs/strategies.pdfhttp://epa.gov/burnwise/pdfs/strategies.pdf

10. Social Media Join us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/EPABurnWise http://www.facebook.com/EPABurnWise Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/epaburnwise http://twitter.com/epaburnwise U.S. Environmental Protection Agency10

11. Want More Information? herrington.leigh@epa.govherrington.leigh@epa.gov or 919-541-0882 brockman.larry@epa.govbrockman.larry@epa.gov or 919-541-5398 www.epa.gov/burnwise U.S. Environmental Protection Agency11