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Ugh ... it's leaf burning season

Generally speaking, I'm glad I live on the Illinois side of the St. Louis metropolitan area, but there's one bad thing about many of the communities here, including Belleville: They allow leaf burning.

I know it's an easy way to get rid of leaves, but that doesn't mean it's a good way.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the visible smoke from leaf burning is composed of tiny particles that contain a number of pollutants. If inhaled, these microscopic particles can reach the deepest regions of the lung and remain there for months or even years. Breathing particulate matter can increase the chances of respiratory infection, reduce the volume of air inhaled and impair the lungs' ability to use that air. Particulate matter can also trigger asthma attacks in some people.

It's time for people to think of their neighbors and stop the obnoxious practice of leaf burning.

Roger 0 comments 6:48 PM