A blog about Health & Wellness and Kern County.
|
Tejon Ranch Development Going to Court Milk Prices and Air Quality Today's Air Quality Cannot Be Much Worse Dangerous Air Alert! Fireplace Ban; Good or Bad? Equinox Sunset Orange Diesel Exhaust Causes Cancer No Football Practice Today? Almond Harvest Begins Emergency Flare? November 07 December 07 January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 October 08 November 08 December 08 January 09 February 09 March 09 April 09 May 09 June 09 July 09 August 09 September 09 October 09 November 09 
RSS 2.0    Share!
|
|
|
Fireplace Ban; Good or Bad?
What is the nature of our particulate problem?
This time of year begins an almost daily period of high particulate levels in the air we breathe. Also, the problem is much worse at midnight than at noon. The health effects are many. Ultra-fine particulates are linked to premature death and lowered quality of life in dozens of studies because of how these tiny foreign particles can enter the bloodstream through the lungs and do damage from the inside to various aspects of the circulatory system. Early onset of dementia has even been linked to this form of pollution. The sources of these particulates are many. Diesel exhaust from trucks and farm equipment gives us a steady and direct source of fine particulates which peaks during the day. Those most affected from this source live or work within a few hundred yards of freeways. Another source is smoke from fireplaces. In the city, a neighborhood full of smoking fireplaces can cause breathing difficulties to anyone with asthma or respiratory problems. This problem peaks more in the evening and early morning hours. This year, farmers will also not be allowed to burn on days of fireplace bans but unless you live near an almond orchard you would not be affected directly by this ban. One other source of PM 2.5 is very predominate here in Kern County and it is indirect in nature. This is ammonium nitrate which forms in the cool damp hours of the day from the ammonia in our air and the NOx from vehicle exhaust. These particulates dissipate during the day when temperatures rise. The attached graph of November 1, 2009, from Bakersfield data, shows the higher levels of PM 2.5 during the night and the lower levels during the day. Since our ammonia levels have increased dramatically the past few years, due to the doubling of our cow population, we have also seen a corresponding increase in PM 2.5 levels, despite rules like the fireplace ban being strengthened. The second attached graph shows this general increase over the past several years. Year 8 on this graph corresponds to last year (08-09). Maybe, the recent decrease in our cow numbers, due to low milk prices, will have a beneficial effect this year on particulate matter. Although the bad economy can lower our particulate pollution through fewer cows and traffic, it might also lead to more people burning wood for heat which could negate most of the improvement. Either way, expect a lot of bad air over the next 16 weeks unless we a have a stormy winter. There is nothing better than a warm fireplace on a rainy day.
13 comments from 9 users
1
posted by
ronmexico
on Nov 2, 2009 at 10:26 AM
That is why God gave us nosehairs and snot. Combined, they make an awesome particulate filter... posted by
AudreyB
on Nov 2, 2009 at 10:27 AM
I understand the ban and will abide by it. But I sure would like to have cozy fires this year. posted by
randomfactor
on Nov 2, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Same here, Audrey. I don't think I used my fireplace at all last year, though. As for the purpose of snot, some folks are just naturally more full of that than others. It's important to clear the air for the rest of us, too. posted by
airqualityguy
on Nov 2, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Ron, I too have blown plenty of brown snot out of my nose after working in the dust all day. The problem with PM 2.5 is that, at it's maximum, it is already 20 to 30 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair and much smaller than the average dust particle. Because it is small enough to enter the bloodstream, through the lungs, is the reason why it is dangerous. 
posted by
jfrancais
on Nov 2, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Particulates...that's what they call fine aerial cow poop, now. posted by
CatherineBaker
on Nov 2, 2009 at 11:28 AM
We love to have fires in our fireplace, too. We have a sorta old house, with a real built-in brick fireplace like they just don't make anymore. It produces such a pretty glow in the evening, and it is a family tradition to have as many fires in our fireplace as possible in the winter. Last winter that meant about 25 days, I think. We've been sitting on a cord of wood for over 3 years--pine, which produces a good, bright light. [Crossing my fingers for good breathing this year for everyone, and as many pretty fires in the fireplace as possible. Hey--I can hope for both.] posted by
ronmexico
on Nov 2, 2009 at 11:31 AM
Because it is small enough to enter the bloodstream, through the lungs, is the reason why it is dangerous. That is why God made Kidneys. Two of them to boot!!!!! And two lungs..!!! posted by
StraightAhead
on Nov 2, 2009 at 01:01 PM
Ron is correct. The body can adapt and fight off all these poisons in our air. Don't fret too much, AQG. The strong will survive. It is called evolution. The puny among us will suffer in the short term but in 5,000 years we will wonder why anyone ever worried about all this man-made pollution. posted by
AudreyB
on Nov 2, 2009 at 01:03 PM
Gosh Cat when you do light a match to that old stuff, stand back. It might explode. ;-) posted by
casooner90
on Nov 2, 2009 at 01:12 PM
I'm buying a fire pit to have a fire out in my patio this winter. Now, if I can just find some cheap fire wood. Someplaces charge up to $5 for a cord??? posted by
AudreyB
on Nov 2, 2009 at 01:20 PM
Casooner I too think a fire pit sounds like a fun idea, but what do I do about my cold backside? posted by
Lingtaowoo
on Nov 2, 2009 at 01:48 PM
In this economy...do what you gotta do to stay warm--spark up the fireplace if need be...then call the news stations when they fine you or take you to jail for trying to stay warm in winter... posted by
casooner90
on Nov 2, 2009 at 08:00 PM
1 2 3, turn, 1 2 3, turn, 1 2 3, turn... Just be sure to turn your bum before you start feeling the pain - or you smell your denim burn.
1
 Loading Stories
Advertisement |
