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Disposal of household garbage by burning continues to be a common practice in
rural communities. This practice goes by many names, including backyard
burning, burn barrels, and household garbage burning. But whatever name is
used, the reality is that this practice is harmful to humans and our
environment.
Smoke from burning waste contains many pollutants that can impact the health of
people exposed to it, including hydrogen cyanide, sulfur dioxides, poly cyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene, lead, mercury, dioxin, and many others. These
pollutants may damage the lungs, nervous system, kidneys and liver. Even
healthy people may experience symptoms of burning eyes, headaches, nausea,
fatigue or dizziness. Toxic chemicals form trash burning deposit into
aquatic or terrestrial environments and contribute to pollution in the region's
rivers and lakes.
Backyard burning also triggers numerous wildfires and can be a nuisance to
neighbors. The prevalence of garbage burning may affect states' and
municipalities' ability to meet air quality standards.
If you would like more information, please contact Erin Newman of U.S. EPA
Region 5 at newman.erin@epa.gov.
Additional information about backyard burning in the Great Lakes Region is
available online at http://www.openburning.org.
Evaluation form can be filled out electronically and emailed to
hinchey.elizabeth@epa.gov or
mailed to:
Elizabeth Hinchey Malloy
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
77 W. Jackson, G-17J
Chicago, Il 60604
This guide was produced by Illinois-Indiana
Sea Grant, U.S. EPA Great Lakes National Program Office and U.S.
EPA Region 5 Air and Radiation Division.
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