I have been burning my leaves for years.  Is this legal?  What types of air pollutants are emitted from burning leaves?

The Environmental Protection Commission’s Chapter 1-4, Open Burning Rule specifically prohibits all residential burning including backyard waste.  The burning of leaves produces a considerable amount of airborne particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and at least seven known carcinogens.  One of most notorious carcinogens is Benz[a]pyrene, a polyaromatic hydrocarbon.  Ben[a]pyrene is believed to be a major factor in lung cancer caused by cigarette smoke.  It is also formed when leaves are burned.  Like the secondhand smoke from cigarettes Benz[a]pyrene from leaf burning endangers us all.

What is particulate matter, and why is it a health concern?

The visible smoke from leaf burning is composed of tiny particles that contain toxic pollutants.  If inhaled, these microscopic particles can reach deep into the lungs and remain there for months or even years.  Breathing particulate matter increases the chances of respiratory infection, and causes other problems such as coughing, wheezing, chest pain and shortness of breath. Burning trash in the open produces many pollutants, including:

Many dangerous health conditions can be caused by inhaling or ingesting even small amounts of these pollutants. Small children, the elderly, or people with preexisting respiratory conditions can be especially vulnerable to some of these pollutants.

Why is open burning of trash and leaves regulated?

First, many harmful compounds are produced and released into the air when trash and leaves are burned.  Some of these pollutants are harmful to people, animals, and plants.  In addition, some of these chemicals react with nitrogen oxides in the air to produce ground level ozone especially during hot, sunny weather.  Ground-level ozone contributes to unhealthy smog, haze, and reduced visibility.  Ozone is a respiratory irritant that is particularly dangerous to children, those with chronic lung disease, and the elderly.  It can cause asthma attacks and serious respiratory problems. 

Second, outdoor burning often exposes surrounding property to fire hazard.

Third, outdoor burning often subjects neighboring residents to nuisance conditions of smoke and odor that infringe on their right to enjoy or use their property, and their right to breathe clean air.  The Environmental Protection Commission’s Chapter 1-4 Open Burning Rule prohibits all residential open burning.

The old-fashioned practice of burning leaves not only pollutes our air and causes health problems, it also wastes many of the beneficial micronutrients contained in leaves.  Homeowners should mulch the leaves into their lawns with a mulching mower when practical, or compost leaves for later use in the garden.  The organic matter in leaf compost enriches the soil in gardens and flower beds.  For those who can’t mulch leaves or don’t garden, curbside pickup is always provided. 

Pound for pound of garbage burned:

·        A burn barrel emits 10,000 times more total dioxin than a incinerator

·        A burn barrel emits 1000 times more total furans than a incinerator

·        A burn barrel emits 3000 times more polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons than an incinerator.