BRIEFLY.

Byline: The Register-Guard

MANY, MANY RULES

Where you live determines what and when you can burn. The rules are Byzantine, so it's best to call the Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority at 726-3976 for advice. Here are some factors:

Eugene: All outdoor burning prohibited

Springfield: People on less than a half-acre lot are barred from burning, and those allowed to burn face restrictions

Elsewhere in Lane County: Burning season is Oct. 15-June 15, but even then burning may be restricted, depending on location and materials

Burning demolition waste? That's banned in some places but allowed in others with a letter from the Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority and/or approval of the local fire district

Backyard barbecues: In every jurisdiction, it's OK to cook outdoors

SOMETHING'S BURNING

Burning junk and trash in your backyard can be hazardous to your health. Here are some items Lane County residents were caught torching.

Calf carcass: Burning emits volatile organic compounds, which can cause eye, nose and throat irritation; headache, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney and central nervous system

Computer keyboard: Burning can emit hexachlorobenzene, a persistent toxin that accumulates in fish, marine animals, birds and animals - including humans - that feed on them; considered a probable human carcinogen toxic by all routes of exposure

Household trash, including plastic: Burning can generate dioxins, highly toxic compounds that can enter the food chain, disrupt human fetal development, immune system functioning and hormonal systems, and possibly cause cancer

Old checks: Ash can contain metals such as mercury, lead, chromium and arsenic that are toxic when ingested. Children might ingest while playing in the yard. Garden vegetables can absorb and accumulate. Rain may wash the metals into the groundwater. Ingestion may cause high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, kidney damage and brain damage.

Oil pan: Burning can emit lead and mercury

Carpet: Burning generates dioxins and particulates, which can be inhaled and cause asthma and bronchitis

Carpet padding: Burning can emit carbon monoxide, which can cause headaches, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting

For more details: Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Web page on backyard burning at www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/backyard/

- Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Lane County Regional Air Pollution Authority