As we mark Clean Air Day 2002 (16 June), we have an opportunity to look at what we can all do to help improve air quality within our own communities.
During the pandemic, air quality improved across the globe as a result of travel restrictions and lockdowns. The good news is that in our little corner of the world, as life (and traffic) return to near normality, air quality remains good.
And although the Council continues to meet its targets on air quality there are some items that can cause pollution and which are the subject of a growing number of complaints to the Council's Environmental Health Team - fire pits and chimineas!
While it's not against the law to have a fire pit or chiminea, they contribute to air pollution and can cause problems depending on what is burned and how much smoke it generates. They also present a potential nuisance to neighbours if used without due care and attention as smokes and smells reach their property.
Formal action can be taken by the Council if burning causes unreasonable nuisance to others. Here's how to avoid any issues:
- Only burn dry garden material.
- Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres or anything containing plastic, foam or paint (including treated timber), Formica or MDF, even if they appear to be 'clean' wood.
- Avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions – smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days. In windy conditions, smoke can blows into other properties and across roads.
- Keep your fire away from trees, fences and buildings.
- Never use oil, petrol or methylated spirits to light a fire – you could harm yourself as well as the environment.
Councillor Paul Ferretti, Convener of the Council's Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee, said, "One of the main aims of Clean Air Day is to make us think how our actions are impacting on air quality. With so much discussion currently about climate change, we are more aware than ever that everyone's small actions can have huge consequences.
"Due to the efforts of residents and the Council's continued commitment to leading change, we enjoy good air quality in East Dunbartonshire. If we continue to act together to reduce pollutants, then we will remain on track, enjoying fresh air now and creating a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations."
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