The Lung Association has fought hard for regulations against outdoor wood boilers because the health effects of wood smoke exposure, including wheezing, coughing and increased asthma attacks, are abundant. We empathize with the Lichaks and hope to see a resolution to their issues in the near future ("Where there's dense smoke, there's ire," Jan. 13).
Outdoor wood boilers pollute the air and make breathing difficult for those forced to breathe emissions from these devices. The bottom line is these devices negatively affect air quality and negatively affect lung health. While we commend the state Department of Environmental Conservation for regulating the use of such devices outdoors, it is clear the state needs to do more and also address instances where indoor burning is having a measurable effect on one's neighbors. Burning wood in close proximity to residential housing, without setback or stack regulation, creates a corridor for dirty air.
One solution may be offering an incentive for New Yorkers to upgrade to cleaner, more efficient devices. The American Lung Association of the Northeast has previously spearheaded woodstove changeout projects in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. These programs offer residents a cash voucher for buying a new, EPA-certified wood stove in replace of their outdated, dirty units.
Situations like this one simply cannot continue. Wood smoke emissions contain components such as carbon monoxide, various irritant gases and chemicals known or suspected to be carcinogens. We call on the state and the DEC to take a closer look at wood burning as a heat source.
JEFF SEYLER
President and CEO
American Lung Association
of the Northeast
Albany
