Earth Gauge » Haze

Fireplace Facts

administrator — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 21:31:14 +0000

Chilly nights in the forecast mean that some people will be using their fireplaces or woodburning stoves. Burning wood creates many indoor air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, and smoke from fireplaces and stoves contributes to particle pollution outdoors. Sometimes, these pollutants can trigger health problems in children and adults with respiratory conditions, such as asthma.

Viewer Tip: When you are using your fireplace or stove, there are simple things you can do to reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution. Make sure your chimney or stove is clean and properly vented to the outside, and never burn garbage or treated woods, such as plywood. Using wood that has been split and dried for at least six months will help you build a cleaner-burning fire (green or wet logs can cause smoke and odor problems). If you use your fireplace often, you may also consider installing gas logs, which are less-polluting that traditional firewood.

Stay safe by installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, and never leave a fire unattended.

Seasons: Fall, Winter

(Source: US EPA. “The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality.” www.epa.gov; The Chimney Safety Institute of America, http://www.csia.org/press-wood-tips.htm)

Fire Smarts

administrator — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 21:01:08 +0000

During the winter, cold, still air can cause inversions that trap air pollution close to the ground. Unhealthy levels of air pollution can trigger health problems in some individuals, including those with heart and lung conditions, such as asthma or heart disease. Sometimes, when pollution levels rise, a burn ban will be put in place to prevent more air pollution – be sure to pay attention to these bans and follow directions.

Viewer Tip: When there isn’t a ban in place, there are easy things to do to make sure your fireplace or woodburning stove is burning as cleanly as possible. Use manufactured logs or clean, dry wood, and try to build a small, hot fire. Give your fire plenty of air to maximize heat and cut down on smoke, and never burn garbage, plastics, or other trash.

Seasons: Fall, Winter

(Source: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. “Indoor Burning: Wood Stoves and Fireplaces.” pscleanair.org)

Halt Haze (Oregon)

administrator — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:32:50 +0000

The Columbia Gorge is important to Oregon not only as a great place to visit, but as the home for 70,000 Oregonians. Summer heat often means hazier skies for Gorge residents and visitors, decreasing visibility of the Gorge’s beautiful vistas and triggering health problems for asthmatics and others with lung diseases.

Viewer Tip: Car exhaust is a major source of haze-causing pollutants. Help keep Gorge air clearer and cleaner by cutting your driving time. Combine errands to shorten your trip, or try walking or biking to your destination.

Season: Summer

(Source: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality. “Columbia Gorge Air Quality Project.” http://www.gorgeair.org/)

Hazy Days (Iowa)

administrator — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:30:13 +0000

Haze occurs when sunlight encounters pollution particles in the air. Some sunlight is absorbed by the pollution particles, and some of it is scattered away. When sunlight is absorbed and scattered, it can make outdoor views less clear and colorful, and on windy days, haze can be blown miles away from where it originated.

Viewer Tip: One source of haze-producing pollutans is motor vehicles, and in 2005, there were almost 4 million registered vehicles in Iowa! You can do your part to reduce air pollution by reducing your emissions – try to find a carpool buddy or use public transportation. If you can, consider walking or biking to your destination.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Source: US EPA. 1999. Haze: How Air Pollution Affects the View. Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards,EPA-456/F-99-001; Iowa Department of Transportation)

Hazy Days

administrator — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:28:19 +0000

Viewer Tip: Sources of air pollutants that cause haze include emissions from motor vehicles. Try to find a carpool buddy, use public transportation, walk, or bike to your destination. Not only will you reduce emissions, but you’ll save money on gas and parking fees, too.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Halt Haze (Pocatello, ID)

administrator — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:21:46 +0000

Haze has become an important indicator of the amount of pollution in our air. Without haze, it is possible to see almost 140 miles westward, but in many parts of the United States, air pollution has cut the visibility range to between 33 and 90 miles! Limited visibility can ruin the spectacular views of some of Idaho’s national parks, including Craters of the Moon, Hell’s Canyon, and Sawtooth Wilderness Area, limiting visitor traffic and negatively affecting the local economies.

Viewer Tip: Car exhaust is a major contributor to haze. Help cut down on haze in our area by decreasing your driving, carpooling, or riding the bus. Fueling your car at night will also help ozone-causing chemicals to dissipate more quickly than during the heat of the day.

Season: Summer

(Sources: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. 2006. “Air Quality: Overview of Visibility and Haze.” http://www.deq.idaho.gov/air/prog_issues/pollutants/haze_overview.cfm)

Cleaner Cars

administrator — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:07:04 +0000

Did you know that over an acre of forest is needed to remove the carbon dioxide produced by one passenger car over the course of a year? Nationwide, cars account for about 25 percent of air pollution in the U.S. – air pollutants can trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, cause health problems in humans, and damage plant life.

Viewer Tip: Keeping your vehicle properly maintained can significantly reduce emissions. Have your emissions system checked regularly, and never tamper with emissions equipment.

Seasons: Summer

(Sources: Land of Sky Regional Council Clean Air Campaign. June 5, 2006. “How your energy efficiency affects air quality.” http://www.landofsky.org/cleanair/Energy_Efficiency_Files/How_Your_EE_Affects_AQ.htm; EPA Office of Air and Radiation: www.epa.gov/oar)