PGAQ #52 by Vic Steblin, Nov 26, 2008

2570 Laurier Crescent, Prince George, BC, 250-564-1123

Some wood burners claim that they burn responsibly. They have been told that there is efficient burning with modern high heat units. Maybe they have a pellet stove which is supposed to be cleaner. But there are start-up problems like in any industrial process and home units are rarely monitored consistently. In my opinion we have been misled with the positives of burning and the negatives have been largely ignored.

Of course words depend on their definitions. Two common definitions of the word responsible are “answerable to somebody” or “being to blame for something”. Wood burners make smoke and should be “answerable to somebody” for the health consequences. Wood burners can also be “blamed for smoke”. We are told that fine particulate has no safe level and health depends on the level of exposure. Responsible people who live near others should not burn wood. There are wiser and cheaper methods of keeping warm.

In my opinion all burning below the level of natural gas could be considered irresponsible. If there is no safe level of PM2.5 and if one can smell smoke, then burning should stop. Knowledge of health effects on others should be enough for a responsible citizen to stop burning.