Open Burning

Open burning is the burning of any material or substance, including rubbish, wastepaper, wood, vegetative material or any other flammable material, in the ambient air on any open premises, or on any public street, alley, or other land adjacent to such premises, or in a receptacle where emissions are released directly into the air without passing through a chimney or stack. Generally, anytime you light a fire outdoors, you are open burning.

Other air pollutants from open burning include particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, lead and mercury. These pollutants have been linked to several health problems, including asthma, respiratory illnesses, nervous system damage, kidney and liver damage, and reproductive or developmental disorders.

Burning household waste affects your health and your community's health... Do you know the dangers from burning household waste near your home?  Today's trash contains plastics, metals, and synthetic materials that create dangerous chemicals when burned.  These chemicals include dioxins, benzene, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), and other compounds that are known to cause respiratory ailments, stress human immune systems, and are potentially carcinogenic.

Smoke from open burning contains harmful substances, such as: harmful substances, such as: Dioxins that can cause birth defects, and have been linked to cancer in humans. Particulate matter, which can become trapped in the lungs. Volatile organic compounds including acetaldehyde, formaldehyde and naphthalene. VOCs are a precursor to ozone formation. Corrosives like hydrochloric acid.

What can You do to promote efficient burning and reduce smoke emissions when You must burn?

Reduce, reuse, and recycle products whenever possible.

Instead of burning debris, start a compost pile in your backyard for organic materials.

Don't burn if you don't have to.

Who Is At Risk?

Why smog is harmful…

Impact to Human Health Most open burning is prohibited because toxic gases are often emitted, which harm human health and/or the environment. Air pollution created from open burning can: • Cause respiratory diseases such as asthma, Cause respiratory diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. • Irritate the eyes and skin, depress the central Irritate the eyes and skin, depress the central nervous system, and cause headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

Open Burning Creates a Fire and Safety Hazard….

….could turn into a disaster when burning gets out of control.

Open Burning may be Legal or Illegal When, where & how a materials is burned, & what the materials is , determines if the burn materials is legal or illegal.

So…. What do we do?

Newspapers and other paper products Trash, garbage Lumber and Pallets Treated wood Tires Newspapers and other paper products Wire and coated wire Structures – standing or demolished Asphalt shingles Plastics, synthetics Heavy oils Paints Household, agricultural chemicals See slide

Support efforts to reduce smoke pollution. Spread the news Support efforts to reduce smoke pollution. Spread the news! Tell your friends, family, and neighbours how they can improve air quality.

Changing The World By Stop Open Burning

You Can Make A Difference!

Brunei join No Open Burning Useful link.. Ban on open burning still in effect  Saturday, 10 October 2009 at 00:47 The ban on open burning declared on 4th August 2009 is still in effect. The current wet weather has helped to subdue hotspot activities in Sumatra and Borneo. However the current wet period is expected to be temporary.  The Department of Environment Parks and Recreation has been monitoring open burning activities in the country. Persons conducting open burning can expect a visit from the Department. Recently an open burning activity was reported and a team from the Department investigated to the incident. The persons responsible were given a warning and they cooperated by putting out the fire. The public is again reminded that under the Section 277 A, the public is refrained from conducting any open burning activities. Offenders will be punishable with a fine not exceeding $100,000. Where such offences cause pollution to the atmosphere or endanger human life or property the punishment is a fine of unlimited amount and or imprisonment for a term of up to 5 years.  The public can contact the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation for any complaints on open burning through hotlines 8999900 / 8837751 / 8837741 and query on the air quality by contacting 2383222 extension 514 during the normal office hours. The public can also access and obtain the PSI readings on-line at  http://www.env.gov.bn/psireading/index.htm http://www.env.gov.bn/link/domestic/case%20studies/brunei%20darussalams%20experiences%20in%20implementing%20zero%20burning%20ploicy.htm http://news.brunei.fm/2010/02/25/stop-open-burning-in-belait-belait-for-peat-sake/