Title: Backyard Burning
Headings: Backyard Burning
Backyard Burning
Recycle Guide
Backyard Burning
The facts on backyard burning
Why is backyard garbage burning dangerous?
How does backyard burning affect the environment?
What does the law say about backyard burning?​
What should I do with my garbage?

Content: When inhaled, dioxins can wreak havoc on the body, leading to adverse reproductive development, suppression of the immune system, disruption of hormonal systems, and even cancer. Not only are dioxins highly toxic when inhaled, but they can also settle on plants and bioaccumulate as they move up the food chain, contributing to toxins in the food supply. Other dangerous pollutants released during backyard burning include particle pollution, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and ash, which all pose a number of different health risks. Some short-term problems include eye, nose, lung, and throat irritation, headaches, vomiting, nausea, skin irritation, fatigue, and loss of coordination. Other long-term and more serious problems range from liver, kidney and central nervous system damage to cancer. For more information on the health hazards of backyard garbage burning, visit the EPA ​website . To receive brochures about backyard burning to share with your neighbors, please contact our office at 503-588-5169. How does backyard burning affect the environment? Through the release of chemicals such as Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and particle pollution, backyard burning contributes to a number of environmental problems, including global climate change, ozone depletion, acid rain, and the formation of smog. In addition, when ash from a burn barrel is improperly disposed of, such as in a garden, it can contaminate food and drinking water.