Effectiveness of Residential Wood-Burning Regulation on Decreasing Particulate Matter Levels and Hospitalizations in the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin

Yap, Poh-Sin; Garcia, Cynthia

doi:10.2105/ajph.2014.302360

Cited by 22 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…A wildfire smoke forecast that triggers interventions to reduce personal exposure at lower PM 2.5 threshold could be beneficial to reduce respiratory and cardiovascular health burdens [ 119 ]. In addition, comprehensive public health measures, such as Rule 4901, to reduce wood smoke exposure have been shown to lead to reductions in cardiovascular cases and IHD cases among those 65 years and older [ 166 ]. More research on the effectiveness of these strategies and applicability at a larger population scale is warranted to generate more robust data for informed public health decisions.…”

Section: Research Needsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cardiovascular health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure

et al. 2021

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In recent years, wildland fires have occurred more frequently and with increased intensity in many fire-prone areas. In addition to the direct life and economic losses attributable to wildfires, the emitted smoke is a major contributor to ambient air pollution, leading to significant public health impacts. Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of particulate matter (PM), gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. PM from wildfire smoke has a high content of elemental carbon and organic carbon, with lesser amounts of metal compounds. Epidemiological studies have consistently found an association between exposure to wildfire smoke (typically monitored as the PM concentration) and increased respiratory morbidity and mortality. However, previous reviews of the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure have not established a conclusive link between wildfire smoke exposure and adverse cardiovascular effects. In this review, we systematically evaluate published epidemiological observations, controlled clinical exposure studies, and toxicological studies focusing on evidence of wildfire smoke exposure and cardiovascular effects, and identify knowledge gaps. Improving exposure assessment and identifying sensitive cardiovascular endpoints will serve to better understand the association between exposure to wildfire smoke and cardiovascular effects and the mechanisms involved. Similarly, filling the knowledge gaps identified in this review will better define adverse cardiovascular health effects of exposure to wildfire smoke, thus informing risk assessments and potentially leading to the development of targeted interventional strategies to mitigate the health impacts of wildfire smoke.

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Section: Research Needsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cardiovascular health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure

et al. 2021

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“…Days are classified into 3 levels depending on the air pollution forecast: "No Restrictions, Burning Discouraged", "No Burning Unless Registered", and "No Burning for All". These rules were found to have reduced winter PM 2.5 and led to reductions in heart disease for the elderly (Yap and Garcia, 2015).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Changes in speciated PM2.5 concentrations in Fresno, California, due to NOx reductions and variations in diurnal emission profiles by day of week

Foy

Schauer

2019

Elementa: Science of the Anthropocene

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The San Joaquin Valley in California suffers from poor air quality due to a combination of local emissions and weak ventilation. Over the course of decades, there has been a concerted effort to control emissions from vehicles as well as from residential wood burning. A multiple linear regression model was used to evaluate the trends in air pollution over multiple time scales: by year, by season, by day of the week and by time of day. The model was applied to 18 years of measurements in Fresno including hourly mole fractions of NOx and concentrations of PM2.5; and daily measurements of speciated components of PM2.5. The analysis shows that there have been reductions in NOx, elemental carbon and ammonium nitrate of 4 to 6%/year. On weekends, NOx mole fractions are reduced by 15 to 30% due to fewer vehicle miles traveled and a smaller fraction of diesel traffic. These weekend reductions in NOx have not been accompanied by weekend reductions in PM2.5 however. In particular, elemental and organic carbon concentrations are higher on winter weekends. Analysis of diurnal profiles suggests that this is because of increased PM2.5 on Saturday and holiday evenings which are likely due to residential wood combustion. Furthermore, while organic carbon concentrations have decreased in the winter months, they have been variable but without a net decline in the summer, most likely as a result of forest fires offsetting other improvements in air quality. Fog was found to greatly enhance ammonium nitrate formation and was therefore associated with higher PM2.5 in the winter months. Overall the analysis shows that air quality controls have been effective at reducing NOx all year and PM2.5 in the winter, that continued reductions in emissions will further reduce pollutant concentrations, but that winter residential wood combustion and summer forest fires could offset some of the gains obtained.

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“…Given their outsized influence on ambient air quality, many countries have implemented national regulations that limit pollution emissions from residential wood heaters. Along with local regulations, such as mandatory curtailment on days with high pollution levels, national emission limits have proven effective at mitigating adverse impacts on public health and the environment [7][8][9][10]. Despite these efforts, residential wood heaters continue to be major drivers of poor air quality in many regions [1,2,5,6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of regulatory standard test methods for residential wood heaters and recommendations for their advancement

Caubel¹,

Trojanowski²,

Butcher³

et al. 2023

Preprint

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In many regions, residential wood heaters are a leading source of harmful air pollution but only satisfy a small portion of local heating demands. In response, standardized laboratory test methods have been developed to characterize and limit wood heater emissions. While these test methods are a key tool for advancing both wood heater technology and environmental regulations, many of the experimental procedures are outdated and provide few actionable insights for improving heater performance. Furthermore, these test methods vary widely around the world and may not adequately capture the performance of wood heaters operating in residences. This study presents a comprehensive review of standardized wood heater test methods to identify fundamental experimental objectives and regulated performance metrics. Using the results of this review, recommendations are provided to make the test methods more accessible and representative of residential performance, while generating actionable data to motivate heater design improvements. This study elucidates the current state of standard test methods, and the developments needed to advance clean wood heater technologies and public policies.

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Effectiveness of Residential Wood-Burning Regulation on Decreasing Particulate Matter Levels and Hospitalizations in the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin

Abstract: The study suggests that Rule 4901 is effective at reducing wintertime ambient PM2.5 levels and decreasing hospital admissions for heart disease among people aged 65 years and older.

Cited by 22 publications

References 40 publications

Cardiovascular health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure

Cardiovascular health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure

Changes in speciated PM2.5 concentrations in Fresno, California, due to NOx reductions and variations in diurnal emission profiles by day of week

A review of regulatory standard test methods for residential wood heaters and recommendations for their advancement

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