Correspondence from Island Health regarding Air Quality and Wood Burning

Re: Air Quality related health concerns due to domestic wood burning and backyard burning

On an ongoing basis, our office receives concerns expressed by residents about exposure to outdoor smoke produced by wood-burning appliances and backyard burning. While some residents are bothered by the nuisance created by smoke, most are concerned about the potential health effects this exposure may have on them and others within their families. We would therefore like to draw your attention to recent developments related to wood-burning appliances and wood-smoke, and outline actions council can take to reduce the impact.

While wood-burning appliances are used as a primary or secondary source of heat in many homes, the health effects from the resulting wood-smoke have become increasingly recognized. Wood smoke contains many of the same harmful substances that are found in tobacco smoke and is a significant source of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a major component of air pollution and a detriment to health. When inhaled, PM2.5 embeds deep inside the tissue of the lung. Exposure is associated with a shortened lifespan, and can lead to lung cancer, reduced lung functioning and worsening of heart disease and asthma among those who suffer from these conditions. Building upon existing research, a February 2017 Health Canada study (mcgill.ca/newsroom/woodstoves), using air quality data from three BC cities (including Courtenay/Comox), found that an increase in PM2.5 specifically due to wood burning in the winter was associated with a 19 percent increase in hospitalization for heart attacks among those 65 years or older.

On September 19, 2016 the government of BC adopted the new Solid Fuel Burning Domestic Appliance Regulation (SFBDAR) (BC Reg 218/2016). Changes include the requirement for domestic wood burning appliances sold in BC to be USEPA certified to meet PM emissions standards, and provisions regarding the kind of fuel that can be burnt. In addition, there is now a requirement for the use of noncertified hydronic wood boilers (that were installed prior to May 1, 2017) to be discontinued by 2026 unless they meet an 80 metre setback requirement from a property line. However, the SFBDAR does not stipulate a similar requirement for existing noncertified wood stoves.

Given that SFBDAR does not require discontinuation of existing noncertified wood stoves, the potential for ongoing exposure to elevated PM2.5 will continue in many communities. And, while wood smoke air pollution receives most attention in valley communities, it also contributes to poor air quality in localized areas where wood source space heating is used by one or more households within a neighbourhood or where backyard burning is permitted.

Local governments are uniquely positioned to lower PM2.5 emission, improve air quality and thus achieve better health outcomes by addressing gaps not covered in SFBDAR. There are a number of ways to effect change, such as:

1. Update and/or implement air quality bylaws that afford more stringent controls on the type and use of wood burning appliances, such as requiring the replacement of existing noncertified appliances. This is currently being done at the local level through a bylaw in at least one community on Vancouver Island.
2. Offer incentive programs that support wood alternative heating sources. A program that focuses on exchanging woodstoves for alternative heating methods, such as heat pumps, will achieve more substantial improvements than one that focuses on exchanging a noncertified woodstove for a certified one. The provincial woodstove exchange program can be utilized. It offers higher incentives for cleaner heating options and has made heat pumps eligible.
3. Social marketing and educational campaigns that provide awareness to local residents about the health effects due to wood stove.
4. Implement bylaws that restrict backyard burning, including limitations on materials, setbacks and time periods. Most Vancouver Island local municipalities and regional districts currently have bylaws in place to address backyard burning, many of which include seasonal burning bans. Existing bylaws can be further strengthened to include burning restrictions year round in urban containment areas.

We encourage council to consider adopting one or more of these strategies. Island Health appreciates any opportunity to engage with municipalities with respect to initiatives that lead to health outcome improvements. For further discussion around air quality please contact us at HBE@viha.ca.

Sincerely,

Richard S. Stanwick, MD, MSc, FRCPC, FAAP Chief Medical Health Officer

Murray Fyfe, MD, MSc, FRCPC Medical Health Officer

Dee Hoyano, MD, FRCPC Medical Health Officer, South Island

cc: Earle Plain, Air Quality Meteorologist, Nanaimo, Ministry of Environment