An “unacceptable health risk”

says Massachusetts Medical Society

Biomass burning is opposed by many medical organizations.   Medical Society Statements on Biomass.pdf

The Massachusetts Medical Society says,

“Biomass power plants pose an unacceptable risk to the public’s health by increasing air pollution…The burning of biomass releases small particles into the air creating particulate air pollution. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between elevated particulate air pollution levels and adverse health effects and death. Particulate air pollution is associated with increased cardiopulmonary symptoms, asthma attacks, days lost from work due to respiratory disease, emergency room visits, hospitalization rates, and mortality.

Mass Medical Society 2009.pdf

Mass Medical Society Testimony.doc

In 2010, EPA estimated that the value of the benefits resulting from the rules ranges from $17 billion to $41 billion for the year 2013, outweighing the costs by at least $14 billion.  EPA Fact Sheet Proposed Air Toxics Standards.pdf

Under pressure from industry, in February 2011, EPA weakened its proposed air pollution rules that would have attempted to make biomass burning somewhat safer.

Biomass burning emits dioxin, yet EPA has been sitting on dioxin regulations for 20 years.  Read letter to EPA from Congress on dioxin.Congressional Letter To EPA April, 2011.pdf

National green groups issue policy on biomass.  Principles for Sustainable Biomass FINAL__4April11.pdf