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 carcinogen: see cancer. carcinogen Agent that can cause cancer. Exposure to one or more carcinogens, including certain chemicals, radiation, and certain viruses, can initiate cancer under conditions not completely understood. toxic by all routes of exposure Household trash, including plastic: Burning can generate dioxins, highly toxic highly toxic Occupational medicine adjective Referring to a chemical that 1. Has a median lethal dose–LD50 of ≤ 50 mg/kg when administered orally to 200-300 g albino rats 2. compounds that can enter the food chain, disrupt human fetal development, immune system immune system Cells, cell products, organs, and structures of the body involved in the detection and destruction of foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. Immunity is based on the system's ability to launch a defense against such invaders. functioning and hormonal systems, and possibly cause cancer Old checks: Ash can ash·can or ash can n. 1. A large, usually metal receptacle for trash. 2. Slang A depth charge. 3. Slang A powerful cylindrical firecracker. 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 ingestion /in·ges·tion/ (-chun) the taking of food, drugs, etc., into the body by mouth. in·ges·tion n. 1. The act of taking food and drink into the body by the mouth. 2. may cause high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, kidney damage kidney damage Kidney injury Nephrology A structural or functional compromise in renal function due to external–eg, athletic, occupational, or other trauma, resulting in bruising or hemorrhage, which can be profuse and life threatening Etiology Vascular 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 carbon monoxide, chemical compound, CO, a colorless, odorless, tasteless, extremely poisonous gas that is less dense than air under ordinary conditions. It is very slightly soluble in water and burns in air with a characteristic blue flame, producing carbon dioxide; , which can cause headaches, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting For more details: Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), independent agency of the U.S. government, with headquarters in Washington, D.C. It was established in 1970 to reduce and control air and water pollution, noise pollution, and radiation and to ensure the safe handling and 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 |
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