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Unfortunately, our region is not expected to meet new, stricter federal health standards for tiny, lung-damaging particles or soot. And during winter months, wood burning is the source of up to 40 percent of our region's particle pollution. Cold air tends to trap particles closer to the ground – and our lungs, where they evade defenses, irritate and cause damage. Children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems are especially vulnerable.


Soot or small particles from wood smoke and other sources are linked to premature death, cancer and lung disease. Some agencies suggest particles are as deadly as auto accidents or living with a cigarette smoker...

Since our region will not meet new federal standards for soot, we could stand to lose access to some federal transportation funding that is crucial to the movement of goods and workers. When we don't meet federal health standards, it prompts the federal government to examine our local transportation and air-quality plans to see if they mesh well, or "conform." If they don't, officials can block or delay millions or of dollars, as they did recently because of our ozone pollution...


Avoid or reduce burning on Spare the Air days, when particle pollution reaches especially unhealthy levels. Sign up for automatic Air Alerts, which automatically send emails or text messages about high pollution levels to your computer or phone.

Take advantage of financial incentives to replace your existing fireplace or wood stove with a cleaner-burning model certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Help spread the word by telling friends and neighbors about these programs!


Winter soot pollution forecasts

U.S. EPA info on woodburning stoves

U.S. EPA info on soot pollution


woodstove@airquality.org