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To learn more about the dangers of back-
yard burning and disposal alternatives, visit
EPA's Backyard Burning Web site at
. This site also
provides brochures, and links to state environ-
mental departments and their open burning
regulations, as well as links to numerous local
government programs, codes, and ordinances.
Earth 911 has com-
munity- and state-specific recycling and dispos-
al information by ZIP code. Or call 1-800-
CLEANUP for the same information.
For more information on dioxins, how they
are formed, associated health effects, and
other frequently asked questions, visit EPA's
Dioxin Web site at m
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Photograph courtesy of Tim Rudzik
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO
PROTECT YOUR HEALTH AND
THE ENVIRONMENT
33
8
&urning household waste in
burn barrels or open piles
might be common in your
community. But the smoke from
these fires contains dangerous
chemicals that affect your health
and pollute our environment.
Stopping backyard burning will
help us all breathe easier.
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BACKYARD BURNING IS A
HEALTH HAZARD
Backyard burning is a more serious threat to
public health and the environment than previous-
ly believed and has been banned by many state
and local governments. Burning household waste
produces many toxic chemicals and is one of the
largest known sources of dioxins in the nation.
DIOXINS
What are dioxins?
Dioxins are highly toxic, long-lasting organic
compounds. They are dangerous even at
extremely low levels and have been linked to sev-
eral health problems, including cancer and devel-
opmental and reproductive disorders.
How are dioxins formed?
Dioxins are formed when products containing
carbon and chlorine are burned. Even very small
amounts of chlorine can produce dioxins.
Because burn barrels do not have the same strict
controls as municipal incinerators, barrel burning
releases significant amounts of dioxins. Trying to
prevent dioxins from forming by separating out
items high in chlorine content is not effective,
since low levels of chlorine are present in most
household trash.
How are we exposed to 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 water-
ways through soil erosion. These dioxins accu-
mulate in the fats of animals, and then in
humans when we consume meat, fish, and dairy
products.
OTHER AIR POLLUTANTS
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
illnesses.
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 respi-
ratory 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.
DIOXIN IN
TH FOOD CHAIN
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 per-
son'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 com-
posting bins at a reduced cost or show you
how to build your own.
Recycle. Contact your local government to
find out about curbside pick-up of recyclable
materials or drop-off locations.
Properly Dispose of Waste. Don't litter
or dump illegally. Use a waste collection
service or take your waste to a transfer sta-
tion, convenience center, or local landfill.
Check with your local officials to learn
about collection service and drop-off sites in
your community.
For more information on these steps you can
take, visit EPA's Municipal Solid Waste Web site
at and click on "Reduce,
Reuse, and Recycle."
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