A common fall practice of lawn maintenance is burning leaves. But this form of lawn care pollutes our air and can cause health problems.

The smoke from burning leaves contains a number of toxic and/or irritating particles and gases. The tiny particles contained in smoke from burning leaves can accumulate in the lungs and stay there for years.

These particles can increase the risk of respiratory infection, as well as reduce the amount of air reaching the lungs. For small children, the elderly and those who already suffer from asthma and other breathing disorders, leaf-burning can be extremely hazardous.

It is recommended that homeowners mulch leaves into their lawns with a mulching mower when practical, or compost leaves for later use in the garden. Mulching leaves, a natural fertilizer, returns valuable nutrients to the soil for a healthy, lush lawn. For those who can't mulch leaves or don't garden, municipal curbside pickup and dropoff sites are usually provided by local governments.

Pollutants given off by burning leaves include:

Carbon monoxide: It reduces the delivery of oxygen to the body's organs and tissues. This may cause serious repercussions for people who suffer from cardiovascular disease.

Nitrogen oxide: This may cause increased respiratory illness in children. For asthmatics, it can cause breathing difficulty. It also can irritate the lungs and lower resistance to respiratory infection. In addition, it is a cause of smog and acid rain.

Sulfur dioxide: This causes the acidification of lakes and streams, causes corrosion and visibility impairment and can produce foliar damage to trees and crops. High concentrations affect breathing and can cause respiratory problems and alterations in the lung's defenses, and may aggravate existing cardiovascular problems.

Organic matter: Among these hydrocarbons are PAH and PHN. Both are naturally formed in tree leaves and have benzene-related compounds in them. These are released during burning. Among the PHNs is benzoapyrene, a known carcinogen.

Leaf-burning also can reduce visibility, create safety hazards, cause a nuisance, stain buildings and other property, and start forest fires. For all of these reasons, individuals should try to avoid burning leaves whenever possible, even though it may be within the law.

For more information on municipalities with leaf collections, get in touch with Sheryl Kelly at the Butler Planning Commission at 724-284-5300.