Treated Pine Fences & Pollution

Wood Fire Air Pollution

• According to the Environmental Protection Agency of Victoria, Australia (EPA), "[s]moke from wood heaters and open fireplaces is a significant source of air pollution." All wood smoke produces some degree of pollution, but certain types of wood can produce more pollution over prolonged periods than others. Certain types of wood, for example, can burn longer and produce less heat and more smoke when ignited than other types of woods. The longer a wood fire burns, the more fine particles it produces, particles which are the primary source of both air pollution and potential health problems for those with chronic lung or heart conditions.

Pressure-treated Pine

• Pressure-treated pine used for fencing is among the materials that the EPA recommends not using for firewood to reduce the amount of air pollution you produce. Other wood materials that should never be burned include unseasoned wood, painted wood, damp wood and particleboard. These wood materials negatively affect air quality to a greater degree and produce more of the fine particles that can be a health hazard than do dry, seasoned woods that are sold specifically as firewood.

Tips

• To further avoid air pollution, avoid burning any non-wood materials such as household garbage, grass clippings and leaf debris. Regularly maintain your fireplace, and ensure that fires always burn brightly; smoky, dull fires are a sign of inefficient burning that produces more pollutants. Never overload the fireplace with too much wood, and keep the fireplace clean and clear of ash buildup.

Considerations

• Homeowners often are not aware that their wood burning is a nuisance or health hazard to their neighbors until the neighbors let them know. The Victoria EPA recommends first notifying the neighbor of the issue to see if he responds to your grievances. If he does not, you may need to report the issue to relevant authorities, depending on the severity of the problems caused by the neighbor's wood burning.