Higher pollution from bad use of burners

Press, 13 June 1986, Page 26

Higher pollution from bad use of burners

Christchurch residents could face high air-pollu-tion levels this winter from their immediate neighbours, according to the secretary of the New Zealand Clean Air Society, Mr Patrick Neary. The reason lay with the improper use of solid fuel heaters, he said this week.

“The polluting effect of this is very bad and often much worse than the general pollution levels,” Mr Neary said. To help instruct people on how to use their closed solid fuel heaters as cleanly as possible, the society has girculated a simple, illustrated set of instructions to local authorities throughout New Zealand. “Even small communities could be experiencing unnecessary air pollution because of faulty opera-

tion of appliances,” Mr Neary said. The five steps to use a solid fuel heater, as outlined by the society, begin with the use of approved dry wood and making sure the chimney is at least two metres about the roof. After the heater has been recharged the air control should be kept up until a bright fire is established.

The society also said that before retiring for the night the damper should be opened to ensure a bright fire. The air control should only be turned down to such a level as to ensure a bright glow is maintained. Finally, the manufacturers’ instructions should be followed and any extra information should be sought from the local council.