Choke out wood smoke: Incentive offered to replace pre-1988 woodstoves

The Placer County Air Pollution Control District is combating air pollutants one old woodstove at a time. Last week, the Air Pollution Control District announced the opportunity for Placer County residents to receive an incentive to replace their pre-1988, high-polluting woodstoves with a cleaner-burning, more efficient stove or insert. Eligible applicants can receive a $500 incentive to replace an existing uncertified woodstove with a new EPA-certified woodstove, pellet stove or fireplace insert, or $600 to replace it with a new electric, propane or natural gas stove or insert. Low-income applicants or applicants residing in a designated low-income community may be eligible for an enhanced incentive up to $2,500. Woodsmoke contains fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, that can be a health issue for residents and neighbors. The microscopic particles can get into the eyes and respiratory system, where they may cause burning eyes, a runny nose and illnesses such as bronchitis. Exposure to such particles can affect the lungs and heart. Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of health problems. Fine particles can worsen asthma symptoms and trigger asthma attacks. They can also trigger heart attacks, strokes, irregular heart rhythms and heart failure, especially in people who are already at risk for these conditions. People with heart or lung diseases, children and older adults are the most likely to be affected by particle pollution exposure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates replacing an uncertified stove with an EPA-certified stove reduces up to 100 pounds of particulate matter emissions each year – the equivalent of five diesel buses. Today's wood-burning appliances burn cleaner and produce less smoke inside and outside the home. Efficient wood-burning appliances burn one-third less wood, saving time and money. Limited funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-approval is required before old woodstove removal. Interested applicants in Placer and El Dorado counties can call the El Dorado Air Quality Management District at 530-621-7501, or visit edccleanair.org to determine eligibility and submit an application.