The recent train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, has illuminated the health risks associated with burning polyvinyl chloride. Polyvinyl chloride is a component of plastics manufacturing and an extremely common part of our household waste. According to data from stopburning.org, Pennsylvania is one of 26 states that do not have a total ban on burning residential refuse.
In rural communities across the commonwealth, it is not uncommon to see items like furniture or construction waste collected to be burned. This practice is illegal statewide, but many individuals are unaware of the existing laws or ignore them because they are rarely enforced.
When items like furniture are burned, toxic “forever chemicals” can be released into the air. Heavier particles not carried into the atmosphere can deposit within a wide area beyond the burn site. In fact, studies suggest that backyard burning is the largest source of toxic dioxins. Trash burning can pose a risk to health for generations.
Pennsylvania has two metropolitan areas that are consistently among the worst in the nation for air quality. Our legislators should act to modernize our burning regulations to fully prohibit the burning of household waste. This practice is outdated and extremely unhealthy.
Greg Lachlan
Butler