PGAQ #24 (FP) by Vic Steblin, March 22, 2008

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

In my opinion the Woodstove Exchange Program is misguided. On the surface it is praiseworthy because the Prince George Air Quality Implementation Committee is actually trying to do something about poor air quality. But the program actually encourages residents to keep on burning, which is the major problem.

Older stoves produce particles that are mainly stopped by upper lung defences. Newer stoves produce particles capable of entering the blood. This is not a good exchange!

A better approach is to persuade all residents to stop burning. Of course reasonable explanations and simple requests will probably not work so bylaws should be changed to outlaw any burning in city limits.

Our children and health must come first and residents must totally butt out with any burning! Responsible citizens should put the good of the whole community ahead of individual habits.