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Related Horticulture Links of Interest

Local Resources

Eau Claire area businesses – Tree, Lawn and Garden Brochure
Tree, Lawn & Garden Services brochure

Plant databases

University of Connecticut Plant Database
USDA Plants Database
UW – Landscape Plants of the Upper Midwest
Wisconsin invasive species
Weed Science Society of America

Insect ID

UW – Department of Entomology Insect Diagnostic Lab

Factsheets and other educational resources

UW – Extension Horticultural Publications
UW – The Wisconsin Gardener – Public TV

Diagnostics

UW – Plant Disease and Diagnostic Clinic
UW – Soil and Plant Analysis Laboratory

Other

Wisconsin Phenological Society
Wisconsin Master Gardener Program

Wood Smoke from Residential Heaters Poses Health Risk
As the heating season draws near, wood smoke from outdoor wood-fired boilers (OWBs) and other wood heaters will lead to health and nuisance complaints across the state.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) reports that homeowners who are chronically exposed to smoke often complain of adverse health effects such as asthma, respiratory irritation, sinus problems or headaches. People with lung or heart conditions, children and the elderly are even more at risk from exposure to smoke.

Wisconsin is a leader in the number of operating OWBs, and in the absence of regulation, this trend is expected to continue. Several features make OWBs a popular alternative heating source: the fire hazard is outside of the building being heated; wood storage and handling takes place outside; and wood is a renewable fuel source that may be less expensive than gas, oil or electricity.

However, there are significant disadvantages to using an OWB for home heating. “When OWBs are improperly located or operated, or a large number are located in a small area, conflicts with neighbors can occur due to excessive wood smoke and related health effects,” says David S. Liebl of UW-Extension’s Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center.

Strong smoke odors combined with a visible plume indicate the presence of fine particulates and chemicals, such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde found in wood smoke. When smoke envelops a neighboring house or property, air quality degrades to conditions similar to those that would cause the DNR to issue an air quality advisory for fine particles, according to Liebl. A recent study of wood smoke in Grand Rapids, Wisconsin found high levels of fine particle pollution from wood smoke in neighborhoods where OWBs were being used.

What causes excessive OWB smoke? “Installing a stove with a stack that is too short, or at a distance too close to a neighboring building is probably the main reason for exposure to OWB smoke,” says Scott Sanford, rural energy program specialist with UW-Extension. “Poor design, faulty operation or inappropriate fueling practices also can lead to excessive smoke.” For example, operators should only add wood when there is a demand for heat, and only add enough fuel for heating the next 8 to 12 hours (or less) to help reduce smoke emissions.

Poor location, or weather conditions that prevent smoke from dispersing, can also lead to excessive wood smoke. “Neighbors downwind of an OWB may find themselves in the path of frequent smoke plumes,” Liebl says. “As a public health concern, a visible plume, odors and health or nuisance complaints are sufficient to establish an individual’s exposure to OWB emissions.”

While Wisconsin lacks statewide regulation of residential wood smoke, about 200 local municipalities have some type of ordinance regulating wood smoke, making it easier to resolve smoke related conflicts. If your community does not have an ordinance, Liebl and Sanford recommend that you work with your local village, township, city or county officials to develop an OWB/Open Burning ordinance. Adopting such an ordinance will reduce the likelihood of exposure to OWB emissions, and provide a way to resolve conflicts.

If you are dealing with a health or nuisance issue related to OWBs, you can take these steps:

–Meet with the OWB owner/operator to discuss the exposure problem.

–Check for proper stack height and property line setbacks.

–Review OWB fueling practices with the operator.

–Make sure nothing but clean dry wood is used as fuel (no trash or other materials).

If you are unable to resolve the OWB emission exposure issue, your local health department may be able to provide assistance.

Liebl suggests these resources for more information.

OWB and wood smoke resources

Wisconsin Department of Health Services:

http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/HlthHaz/fs/waterstoves.htm

http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/HlthHaz/fs/WoodBrn.htm

If you have questions about the health effects of OWB smoke emissions, contact Rob Thiboldeaux of the DHS at 608-267-6844 Robert.Thiboldeaux@wi.gov