As homeowners in Charles City, IA, we are increasingly concerned about the quality of our air due to the prevalence of outdoor wood burners. We should not have to endure the smell or breathe air that is contaminated from neighbors' outdoor wood burners. Our pets too are affected; they go outdoors and return with a smoke smell on them. The air quality has become terrible.

Outdoor wood burners emit fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can penetrate deep into our lungs and even enter our bloodstream, leading to serious health issues such as heart attacks, strokes and acute bronchitis (source: Environmental Protection Agency). In addition to PM2.5, burning wood also releases other harmful pollutants including carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds.

We believe it's time for a change in policy that prioritizes public health over convenience. We urge the city council of Charles City to ban outdoor wood burners within city limits for the sake of clean air and healthy living conditions for all residents.

Please sign this petition if you agree that we need cleaner air in Charles City!