PGAQ #9 (Cit) by Vic Steblin, Jan 21, 2008

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

It should be obvious that burning affects air quality. Burning is using up fuel in the presence of oxygen so as to give off heat, light and gases. Burning used to be a challenge for humans until the invention of matches and lighters. For light, most people now use electricity. For heat, most should use natural gas or electricity because burning wood produces too much pollution. It is the leftover gases and particles that affect our health when they cannot diffuse or blow away.

The best way to reduce particles from burning is to reduce burning. Stop lighting anything, from matches, cigarettes, candles to backyard rubbish. Of course burning also occurs in vehicles and factories. But few of us will stop driving vehicles or working in factories, so that puts the pressure on individuals and their activities. In sensitive areas, like the Prince George air shed, we must reduce or better yet, just stop burning anything.

It is ironic that our city is now considering more burning near the downtown to heat various downtown buildings. They say it is going to be clean and only release one tonne of particle pollution per year. However, any amount is unacceptable near lungs. Build that plant decently away from people and generate electricity to supply the heat. Better yet, let the waste rot in the woods, get active and wear sweaters to keep warm!