And that SMALL HABIT is BURNING LEAVES. Yes, you read it right. Burning leaves is harmful for you and your child in ways one cannot even imagine. Here's why!
Smoke from burning leaf litter can be as harmful as cigarette smoke.
A harmful chemical called benzo(a)pyrene known for causing lung cancer and found in cigarette smoke is also found in smoke caused by burning dry leaves.
Toxins created by burning leaf litter may remain in our bodies for years to come!
Fine bits of dust, soot and other solid materials released in the leaf litter smoke can reach deep into lung tissue and cause coughing, wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath and sometimes long-term respiratory problems.
Elderly,children,people with asthma and breathing disorders most at risk.
Particulate matter released during leaf burning can increase the risk of respiratory infection, as well as, reduce the amount of air reaching the lungs. For those who already suffer from asthma and other breathing disorders, leaf burning can be extremely hazardous.
Headaches, nausea, fatigue, eye irritation etc. to be everyday affair.
Leaf smoke contains hazardous chemicals such as carbon monoxide, which binds with haemoglobin and reduces the amount of oxygen present in blood and lungs. Leading to ailments such as headaches, nausea, fatigue etc.
If you are sick and tired of leaf burning and want to put an end to it, then you are in luck. The problem of leaf burning has solutions like leaf composting and mulching with plenty of resources available, both online and offline, to guide and help you achieve compost glory! Time to Ready.Set.Compost!