Fine Particle Pollution in Dane County: Winter is a Peak Emissions Period

While fine particle pollution can occur year round, Dane County often experiences higher concentrations of fine particle pollution, or “PM 2.5”, during the winter period between November and March. This is due to a number of factors, including wood burning for home heating, increased use of electricity for lighting, increased use of vehicles in colder weather, and meteorological factors during this time of year

• Reduce driving: Carpool, ride the Metro Transit bus, or walk to work or recreational activities.
• Combine errands and reduce trips.
• Don’t let engines idle -- It gets 0 MPG!
• Conserve energy at home and work by turning off unnecessary lighting, computers and other electrical devices when not in use.
• Avoid open burning and use of burn barrels.
• Avoid use of outdoor wood burning boilers, fireplaces and fire pits.
• If you use a wood burning stove, make sure it is an EPA-certified model; burn small, hot fires with dry, seasoned wood.

One relatively easy way for residents to reduce their contribution and exposure to unhealthy levels of fine particle pollution is to reduce the emissions that come from residential wood burning.

Dane County Clean Air Coalition urges county residents to follow Burn Wise practices this winter heating season to reduce air pollution. Read more here.

Sign up for Clean Air Action Day Alerts from the Clean Air Coalition or you can also sign up to receive air quality forecasts for the Madison area from AIRNow by subscribing at enviroflash.info.