Wood smoke (WS) affects the entire body. Pollution levels of WS are vastly under-reported in the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe and other developed countries, due to the lack of real-time monitoring in neighborhoods, where people spend most of their time. Every fire is the epicenter of a strong particulate pollution event where-ever that fire is lit. Wood fires in the developed world are in addition to an equal amount of pollution from cars, power plants and industry. (See Sources for more information.)
Marketing information promotes more of this toxic burning with false promise. Watch for encouragement to "burn right" and to buy an "EPA Approved clean burning wood stove". "Just don't burn colored paper and plastic" seems to say that wood smoke is OK. There is talk of "clean burning technology". We are encouraged to burn candles and incense to relax, to extend our living space by creating a "cozy room outdoors" with a fire-pit. Articles promote smoking food in the house and drone on about great barbecue. Now the EPA is approving Outdoor Wood Boilers (OWB). They will certify OWB's "clean burning".
Wood smoke once emitted cannot be cleaned up. On the average 70% of PM2.5 comes directly into even non-burning homes. True hepa filter air cleaners are becoming a necessity to offer some (but unfortunately, not complete) protection.
Fight wood smoke with facts. Wood smoke is chemically active in the body 40 times longer than tobacco smoke. One hour of wood smoke lowers the ability to fight off infection by 25 to 40%. Wood smoke spews dioxin into our environment, water and soil. Wood smoke contaminates our food. Educate others. Help spread the web address:
http://BurningIssues.org