Outdoor Air Quality Project - Burn Barrels/Open Burning
Burning household waste in burn barrels or open piles is a common practice
in rural communities, both in Alaska and the lower 48. However the
smoke generated from fires can contain dangerous chemicals that pollute
the environment. The practice has been banned in many state and local
governments. One of the most toxic chemicals is dioxin – a
long-lasting organic compound that is dangerous even at low levels. Dioxins
are formed when products (i.e., PVC’s) containing carbon and chlorine
are burned (wood, coal or oil). Dioxins can also be formed as a result
of natural processes such as forest fires. Chlorine bleaching of pulp and
paper, certain types of chemical manufacturing and processing, and other
industrial processes all can create small quantities of dioxins. Cigarette
smoke also contains small amounts of dioxins. Much
of the dioxins created and released into the air through burning settle
on plants. These plants are, in turn, are eaten by animals, which store
the dioxins in their fatty tissue. People are exposed to dioxins primarily
by eating meat, fish, and dairy products, especially those high in fat.
Over the past decade, EPA and industry have worked together to dramatically reduce dioxin emissions. It is important to note that dioxin levels in the United States environment have been declining for the last 30 years due to reductions in manmade sources. However, dioxins break down so slowly that some of the dioxins from past releases will still be in the environment many years from now.
What can you do?
Reduce. Avoid disposable items; buy in bulk; the less packaging the better!
Reuse. Repair, sell or donate used or unwanted items.
Compost. Yard trimmings and food scraps can create a natural fertilizer.
Recycle. Start a curbside recycling program for your community.
To learn more about dioxin and other toxics affecting people as a result of burning household hazardous waste, see the EPA’s website on backyard burning at http://www.epa.gov/garbage/backyard/health.htm#particles.
For more information on “what you can do,” go to http://www.epa.gov/msw/reduce.htm.
For a toolkit to help promote reducing garbage burning, go to http://www.wlssd.com/pollution_burning.php.