Burning creates a concentrated plume of smoke that can travel
many miles. Although burning is usually conducted for short periods
of time, the lingering cloud can affect air quality in communities
both in the immediate area of the burn and those miles away. [...]
Scientific studies – along with thousands of complaints –
indicate that smoke is unhealthy. It is harmful because very fine
particles, gases and other products of burning (some toxic) can be
inhaled deeply into the lungs. Exposure to fine particles, either
alone or combined with other air pollutants, has been linked to difficulty
in breathing, aggravated asthma, increased emergency room visits and
hospital admissions, and, in some cases, premature deaths. Those most
at risk are children, the elderly and people with chronic respiratory
problems.
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Besides these health effects, dense smoke can impair local visibility
and may create a public nuisance and dangerous driving conditions.
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