Mar 3

Written by:
3/3/2011 8:24 AM 

Smoke from Tacoma area wood stoves poses health risks significantly higher than elsewhere in the state, according to a new study.

The study of airborne toxics in Tacoma and Seattle, released Wednesday by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, showed emissions from diesel and gasoline engines were far and away the biggest culprits.

But in Tacoma, the risks from wood smoke were as much as seven times higher than is typical in other urban areas. Potential health effects include cancer, lung damage, heart disease and nerve damage.

[…] But in Tacoma, the risks from wood smoke were as much as seven times higher than is typical in other urban areas. Potential health effects include cancer, lung damage, heart disease and nerve damage.

[…] Primarily because of wood smoke, Tacoma is the state’s only federal “nonattainment area,” the label given to locations that persistently exceed federal air standards.

[…] Under this year’s program, owners and renters with old wood stoves can get as much as $8,000 to replace their stove with an electric heat pump, natural gas furnace, or gas stove or fireplace insert.

--Read more at The News Tribune, 2 Mar 2011

To learn more about replacing old wood stoves and to apply for aid online, go to www.pscleanair.org/woodstove – but this is apparently not available for Vashon residents.