The Oregon Toxics Blog

Stand-up Against Field Burning this Sunday

Join us this Sunday to stand-up and speak-out against field burning.  There will be speakers, signs, and media.  Don’t worry if you don’t have a sign.  We can provide one for you.

UO EMU Amphitheatre

When: Sunday (7/6/08) 6PM (meet at 5:45PM)

Why: To stand-up for our right to breathe clean air!

Who: Although the event is not officially being organized by OTA, it is being organized by one of our members, Ellen Singer, and we encourage everyone to attend.  If you have questions, contact Ellen at (541) 689-3968.  The following is an excerpt from the press release:

“IF YOU’RE NOT OUTRAGED, YOU’RE NOT BREATHING” is the war cry of protestors who will demonstrate at the conclusion of the Olympic Trials at the UO’s EMU Amphitheatre at 6pm on Sunday, July 6th. We oppose the resumption of field burning which was temporarily suspended during the Olympic Trials for the benefit of athletes and tourists, but which will resume immediately thereafter unless something is done.

The residents of this area deserve a breath of fresh air, too!  Especially following the recent grey skies and unhealthy air conditions caused by the California wildfires, field burning is a public health emergency waiting to happen. The Governor has passed the buck to the legislature, although he has the legal authority to ban field burning by executive order.

Local citizens and community groups concerned with this issue will be present to make our position known and answer questions. Please send your reporters and cameras.

Field Burning in the News!

Learn more on The Campaign to End Field Burning at the OTA website.

Paul Holvey, a Democrat, represents Eugene in the Oregon House of Representatives and wrote the following: Our health shouldn’t be going up in smoke. [The Oregonian].

Another editorial: “Grass seed growers have pledged a temporary halt..but..Don’t the lungs of Oregonians deserve the same respect as those of our honored guests[Olympic Athletes]?.” Read more: Stamp Out Field Burning [The Oregonian].

Tebbutt [from Western Environmental Law Center] recognizes the hypocrisy of halting field burning only for the Olympic Trials. “If they stop field burning to avoid embarrassment, in Eugene, to protect elite athletes, why won’t they do so for their citizens?” he says. Read more: Asthmatics, Law Center Battle for Clean Oregon [Willamette Weekly]

“Gov. Ted Kulongoski will ask the 2009 legislature to phase out field burning in the Willamette Valley by 2016.” Read more: Governor: End field burning by 2016 [Democrat Herald]

End Field Burning

The Oregon Toxics Alliance: OTA has helped pave the way in advocating against field burning due to health and environmental concerns. Last year OTA sponsored a town hall meeting to raise awareness over the health issues.

Western Environmental Law Center: WELC has been a strong ally and has recently taken bold action to end the practice of field burning by sending a letter to the Governor requesting executive action to ban the burning.

Field Burning Facts

» Field burning smoke contains small particles (fine particulate matter) that penetrate deep into our lungs and enter our blood stream.

» The American Medical Association has found that even short-term exposure to these particles increases the risk for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.  In fact, an increase of 10 micrograms of particulate matter per cubic meter results in an 11 percent increase in the number of strokes.

» Exactly such an increase occurred on July 10^th, 2007 in Eugene when a small field burn near Harrisbug went awry.  Bigger increases due to field burns have been recorded elsewhere.

» During field burning days, as much as 2/3 of fine particulate pollution in the Willamette Valley is attributable to field burning.

» Particulate pollution has been linked to infant death, premature birth, and low birth weight.

» Many fields are sprayed with pesticides before they are burned.  As a result, in addition to both coarse and fine particulates, the smoke can contain a complex mixture of toxins.

Field Burning’s Toxic Contribution

Acrolein – Can damage the lungs and lead to death.  Causes burning of eyes, nose, and throat, and causes difficulty in breathing.

Benzene – A known carcinogen.  Causes harmful effects on bone marrow and can cause a decrease in red blood cells leading to anemia. Can cause excessive bleeding and affect the immune system.  Has been linked to decreased fertility in women and lukemia.

Naphthalene – Believed to be a carcinogen.  Can damage or destroy red blood cells causing anemia which will result in fatigue, lack of appetite, restlessness, and pale skin.

Phenol - Causes respiratory irritation, headaches, and burning eyes. People who had skin exposure to high amounts of phenol had skin burns, liver damage, dark urine, irregular heart beat, and some died.  Ingestion of high concentrations of phenol has resulted in internal burns and death.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) – The DHHS has determined that some PAHs may reasonably be expected to be carcinogens.  Long term exposure has been linked to lung, stomach, and skin cancer.  Studies on animals have resulted in decreased fertility rates and higher rates of birth defects.

We have all heard of the potential health risk associated with teflon on our cooking pans, right? In case you haven’t, read the highlights from a recent press release by the Sierra Club below about steps being taken to make it known by the state of California:

California is one step closer to adding Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) to the Proposition 65 list of substances that can cause cancer. A legal challenge by a coalition of organizations cites the state’s failure to list PFOA, a chemical manufactured by DuPont and associated with Teflon and grease and stain repellants.

PFOA is a pervasive, synthetically-produced compound used in consumer and industrial products, including many non-stick surfaces found on cookware and stain-resistant, durable or all-weather clothing. It is prevalent in industries such as aerospace, automotive, building and construction, chemical processing, and electrical. PFOA’s use in popular consumer and industrial products has led to near universal exposure to the chemical.

Part of what makes PFOA such a pervasive and successful product is also responsible for its persistence. There is currently no known environmental breakdown mechanism for this chemical. As a result, PFOA accumulates in soil, water and air, as well as in humans and animals. Pervasive use and unyielding persistence have resulted in the bio-accumulation of PFOA in humans, presenting a serious risk in light of its impacts on human health. One study found that approximately 96% of children tested had PFOA in their blood. Numerous studies have confirmed daily exposure in people of all ages. The EPA Science Advisory Board has concluded in a draft risk assessment that PFOA is a likely human carcinogen. Studies also show liver, pancreatic and testicular cancer in animals, as well as statistically significant increases in tumors in test animals.

Sierra Club