Community News
Backyard Burning : A Health Hazard
By Suzanne Brandt Executive Director KDCB
Mar 17, 2009, 16:42

Backyard burning is a more serious threat to public health and the environment than previously believed and has been banned by many state and local governments.

According to Bonnie Pope, Air & Land Program Manager of DNR EPD Southwest District, in the State of Georgia, open burning of trash, wire, papers, and other household wastes is prohibited by law.  The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division enforces the Air Quality Control Act, which allows for civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day for open burning. 

Georgia's criminal codes empower local government code enforcement officers and law enforcement officers to bring misdemeanor and felony charges against individuals who are burning trash or dumping trash.  Upon conviction, penalties can include fines and imprisonment. 

The following information is taken from a USEPA brochure titled "The Hidden Hazards of Backyard Burning".  Burning household waste produces many toxic chemicals and is one of the largest known sources of dioxins in the nation.  

Dioxins are highly toxic, long-lasting organic compounds.   They are dangerous even at extremely low levels and have been linked to several health problems, including cancer and developmental disorders and birth defects.  Because burn barrels do not have any air pollution controls, barrel burning of household trash or wire, releases significant amounts of dioxins.

Dioxins accumulate in the food chain.  Airborne dioxins can settle onto feed crops, which are then eaten by domestic meat and dairy animals.  Dioxins also can settle on water or enter waterways through soil erosion.  These dioxins accumulate in the fats of animals, and then in humans when we consume meat, fish, and dairy products.

Other Air Polluntants
Smoke from burn barrels contains hazardous pollutants such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, lead, mercury, and hexachlorobenzene.  These pollutants can have immediate and long-term health effects such as:
· Asthma, emphysema, or other respiratory illness.
· Nervous system, kidney, or liver damage.
· Reproductive or developmental disorders.

Not only are the people who burn trash exposed to these pollutants, but so are their families and neighbors.  Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions can be especially vulnerable. 
ASH

The ash residue from backyard burning can contain toxic pollutants, such as mercury, lead, chromium, and arsenic, which can contaminate vegetables if scattered in gardens.  Children can accidentally swallow toxic materials from dirt on their hands while playing near discarded ash.

What You Can Do

• Reduce. You can reduce the amount of waste you generate by using durable, long lasting goods and avoiding disposable items; buying products in bulk; and looking for products with less packaging.
• Reuse. Reusing items is another way to reduce the amount of waste you generate. Repair, sell, or donate used or unwanted items or organize a neighborhood swap event. One person's trash is another person's treasure!
• Compost. Composting is a great way to dispose of yard trimmings and food scraps, while creating a natural , free fertilizer. Many communities offer weekend classes on how to compost, and some even provide composting bins at a reduced cost or show you how to build your own.
• Recycle. Contact KDCB to find out about drop-off locations.
• Dispose Waste Properly. Don't litter or dump illegally. Use a waste collection service or local landfill.

To contact Keep Decatur County Beautiful call 229-246-3611 or e-mail: bdckab@surfsouth.com