Researchers to Discuss Results of Study on Field Burning Health Effects

PULLMAN, Wash. — Researchers from Washington State University and the University of Washington will meet June 7 in public events in Pullman and Spokane to discuss results of the first study to look at how field burning affects the health of people with respiratory problems.

The Pullman meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. in the Compton Union Building Cascade Room 123 on the WSU campus. The Spokane meeting will be at 6 p.m. in the Phase 1 Classroom Building, Room122 (auditorium), on the WSU-Spokane Riverpoint Campus.

Since 2002, researchers from WSU’s Laboratory for Atmospheric Research have worked with researchers from the UW School of Public Health and Community Medicine and the Northwest PM Center to examine asthmatic adults’ exposure levels to atmospheric pollutants from field burning in the Palouse region.

Working with funding from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Washington State Department of Ecology, researchers placed particle monitors in backpacks worn by asthmatic volunteers to measure their personal exposure levels to particulate matter in the air for eight weeks during the fall 2002 field-burning season. They also placed particle monitors in volunteers’ homes. At the same time, the symptoms and lung function were carefully monitored.

Researchers are analyzing data from the agricultural burning study, which could be used by the Washington Department of Ecology to set exposure standards for particulate matter to protect public health.

A salad and sandwich luncheon will be served at the Pullman meeting. For the Spokane meeting, parking tickets will be reserved at the transportation office, located in the basement of the Phase I Building. The office closes at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. To attend, RSVP by calling (206) 616-6570 or e-mail at marquist@u.washington.edu.