Illegal Burning

Don't Burn Before You Learn!!

Illegal Burning is a major issue. This is especially true during the sometimes dry and hot summer months. It is up to you, the citizen, to help us in controlling illegal burning.

Smoke is damaging to your health!!

The type and quantity of smoke generated by the act of burning has different effects with different materials and the many possible conditions. All kinds of smoke contains pollutants. Some of these are toxic. Harm is not limited to the environment, but also affects your health, your family's health, and your neighbor's health. Also, fires can become a nuisance and may destroy property when not properly controlled.

Use this as an example. You get one pound of pollution from burning five pounds of leaves!! Not only affecting your property, this pollution spreads everywhere causing others to suffer the effects of this pollution. The fact that smoke usually hangs low to the ground makes it more possible to be inhaled before it can disperse.

If you know of someone who has asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia, or allergies, you can ask them on how smoke makes breathing even more difficult for them than it already is. People at higher risks include the elderly, people with lung problems, pregnant or nursing women.

Constant and repeated exposure to smoke can increase the chances of developin cancer and may cause developmental problems in children. Even healthy children and adults can be affected by the molds, fungi, particles and chemicals that are produced by smoke.

Are You Breaking The Law?

The quick and cheap way of disposing objects used to be open burning. Perhaps you've burned leaves in the fall as part of a tradition. However, there are many safer alternatives. This is why open burning is restricted by Indiana law.

Some counties are considered ozone attainment counties. State law permits open burning of clean wood products in these counties. Such products include; leaves, branches, and paper. This is allowed as long as the burning is done according to the rules.

Local ordinances may be more strict than what the state requires. You should check with your local fire department of health department if you choose to burn clean wood products despite their possible, harmful effects on the environment and your health.

Burning Equals Rise In Ozone Harm!!

Northwestern Indiana and areas close to Louisville are affected by high levels of air pollution: ozone. Not only does it affect the big cities, it also affects outlying suburbs, and rural areas.

Ozone pollution still exists in other areas of the state, although, not as bad.

Much is said about the destruction and depletion of the ozone layer in the stratosphere, a layer that protects us from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Stratospheric ozone is good, but ground-level ozone is bad.

Ozone is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other air pollutants react in the presence of sunlight, establishing a lower atmosphere location. Many sources give off VOCs including open burning, vehicle exhaust, industrial smoke stacks, gas pumps and many other sources.

The reason for the imposing of regulations is an attempt to reduce the serious air pollution because it can cause or worsen respiratory, health, or heart problems. It also aids in the deterioration of rubber, corrodes metals and damages crops and forests.

Local Participation!!

The Solid Waste Management District of St. Joseph County has joined a statewide cooperative of 25 local Solid Waste Management Districts and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to address the serious problem of illegal burning of trash across Indiana. Indiana's Statewide Illegal Burning Education Campaign links Hoosier communities in an effort to fight illegal burning and will educate citizens that this behavior is no longer acceptable due to substantial risks to human health and our environment.

The Right Way To Manage Waste

Composting

Organics

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle

Recycling Information