PARTICULATE MATTER MATTERS
            October is passing by and leaves will continue their life cycle and fall from the trees. Raking is inevitable. Some cities will help with disposal but everyone else is left to take care of the leaves on their own.
            Many of us remember with nostalgia the autumn smell of smoke as piles of leaves were disposed of by burning. “What some homeowners may not know, is that open burning creates dense smoke, soot, and dust particles which are harmful to people and their environment.
            “This smoke and soot also known as particulate matter (PM) or particle pollution is a mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Particulate matter is made up of acids such as nitrates and sulfates, organic chemicals, metals, soil, or dust particles.           
            “Some particles, such as dirt, dust, soot and dark smoke, are large enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected by using a microscope. Particulate size is directly linked to the potential for causing health problems. Small particles – those less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest problems because they can reach the deepest parts of your lungs. The particles can linger there for months and years. Reducing lung capacity and increasing the risk of respiratory infection and some may get into your bloodstream.
            “If you have heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or asthma, you may experience health effects earlier and at lower smoke levels than healthy people.” Quoted from The Citizens’ Bulletin, Fall 2009, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency IEPA.
            Handling your yard and fall foliage waste in an environmentally friendly manner helps keep harmful matter out of the air. Mulching yard waste and leaves takes a little effort but has multiple advantages. Another approach is to make yard trimmings and leaves into compost. “With adequate moisture and periodic turning to introduce air, the microorganisms that live in a compost heap help break the organic material making a great green fertilizer,” explains IEPA.
            “Other ways to help improve our air quality this fall season include limiting the use of household products that cause fumes, and avoiding the use of fire pits, grills, or barbecues on Air Pollution Action days. Also avoiding the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers can reduce the amount of mold allergens circulating throughout the air,” according to IEPA
            Keep in mind that particulate matter, once in the air, has no boundaries. Reducing particulate matter is an environmental and health concern for everyone.
            You can view the IEPA Citizens’ Bulletin at www.epa.state.il.us/newsletter. From the website you can subscribe to the email edition.

Della Moen, Earth Team Volunteer, NRCS/Stephenson Soil and Water Conservation District, an equal opportunity provider and employer, 09/30/09 for publication on 10/10/09 in the Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois) Della can be reached at info@stephensonswcd.org