Bonfire builders are asked to think
‘healthy’ and not burn toxic materials as they celebrate Guy Fawkes
night.
As November 5 draws near environmental health
officers have issued warnings about burning plastic, rubber –
including tyres, MDF and anything with a painted or coated
surface. All these materials generate toxic pollutants
which reduce the air quality and can be an irritant to people.
“Bonfires are notoriously uncontrolled –
whether on bonfire night or the remainder of the year,” said Head
of Regulatory Services, Maurice Cann.
“Aerosols are particularly dangerous and can
cause poisonous fumes to leak into the atmosphere. Every year on
November 5th families use old bits of furniture to build up the
bonfire and stuff the Guy with scraps of used foam or old
clothing.
“No combustion is clean and we ask people not
to burn old sofas and painted wood. The district has some of
the cleanest air in the country and we want to keep it that
way”.
He said the councils offer a collection
service for removal of bulky items for which there is a small
charge. And on top of the household collections for paper,
cans, plastics and glass there are recycling centres and household
waste recycling centres throughout the districts.
- The air quality in both Richmondshire and
Hambleton districts meets the Government’s Air Quality Strategy
objectives for key pollutants - carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide
and particulate matter. Environmental Health officers assess the
air quality ever year and conduct a more detailed assessment into
the impact of possible pollutant sources such as industry and
traffic every three years.
For further information on recycling and
collection of bulk waste call 0845 1211 555; and on local air
quality contact John Warren on 01609 767093. Alternatively
check out hambleton.gov.uk or Richmondshire.gov.uk
October 25, 2011
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