With the arrival of Fall and cooler weather, it's the time of year again to check the air quality forecast prior to burning indoor or outdoor fireplaces. The "Check Before You Burn" season runs from November 1, 2009 through February 28, 2010.
Air Quality Management Districts in the six-county Sacramento Region created "No Burn" programs aimed at keeping pollution levels of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) below the health-based standards. Because of its size, PM2.5 can pass through the body's protective filters and enter deep into the lungs, increasing the risk of bronchial disease and lung damage.
Wood burning restrictions and voluntary programs are necessary to meet the federal government's health standard for PM 2.5 and help to avoid the need to adopt other more stringent and costly regulations that could affect homeowners, businesses, and agriculture.
See the below links for more information about no-burn programs in your county:
By Dr. Tom Cahill
UC Davis DELTA Group
Breathe California Board Member
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