Health Issues

Burning wood to generate electricity produces a range of pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter dangerous to human health, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children (especially infants and those who are physically active outdoors), the elderly, and people with existing health conditions including asthma, lung disease, and heart disease.

Many of the major medical national and state associations have come out openly with statements opposing biomass (American Lung Association, Massachusetts Medical Society, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition, North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, Florida Medical Association).

American Lung Association’s position statement warning of biomass and its negative impact on human health:

http://www.lungusa.org/associations/charters/new-england/assets/pdfs/public-policy/position-statements/biomass.pdf

The Massachusetts Medical Society released a statement opposing biomass:

http://www.massmed.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Search8&template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=32796

Overview of other medical organizations taking a stand against biomass :

http://www.energyjustice.net/files/biomass/medicalstatements.pdf

Letter from expert Dr. Bill Sammons and Attorney Sheehan regarding the health effects of biomass burning:

http://nobiomassburning.org/docs/Medical_health_letterFINAL2.pdf