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This image is from the EPA.It demonstrates the health effects of wood smoke and other fossil fuel emissions that generate particulates into the air.Particulates,or PM come in two reported sizes.PM2.5 and PM10.For more information click here Particulates are measured in microns and are very small.Their health effects are well documented and have been for years. Cigarette smoke,wood smoke,gasoline engines,diesel engines,coal smoke,incense burning,and cooking smoke are just a few of the many source of particulates. As particulate concentration in the air increases,death rates increase.This is well documented as well,and has been for years. Children and the elderly are at the highest risk for health related effects due to smoke/particulate exposure.Children are a at risk because of developing immune systems. Repeated exposure to smoke causes lung damage in the form of bronchitis,asthma,cancer.Also brain impairment and a host of other organic ailments due to lead exposure,carbon monoxide,carbon dioxide,and other gases and chemicals in wood smoke is a problem. It is nearly impossible to filter the tiny particles emitted in wood smoke.In fact,the particles penetrate houses in the surrounding area due to their tiny size.They linger in the environment and coat it with the hazardous materials that they contain. As time passes,sooty surfaces become darkened by the buildup and result in damage to objects as well as the health of people exposed to it. The state of texas(TCEQ) has few rules regarding smoke in neighborhoods from restaurants(permits by rule) and this is unfortunate due to its bad effects on the environment and the health of the citizens. |