ee Me ie et _ size B14 Terrace Review — Wednesday, January 9, 1991 Fo ge Two of the many pets avaliable at the Terrace Animal Shelter are these *mousers", curled up ne ~ uy in front of shelter assistant Marilyn Brown, To see the variety of animals up for adoption, drop in at the shelter on Haugland Ave. Other creatures include several dogs, one of them a-‘mother with seven pups. _ This article is the third in a series of four instalments on the environ- mental and health implications of using wood as a primary home heating fuel. The articles are authored by John Collison-Baker of the ¢ Management Branch, provided by inistry of Environment, and printed B.C. Ministry of Environment Wast the Skeena regional office of the M by the Terrace Review as a public service, Any readers who have comments on these pieces are invited to address their concerns to the Terrace Review, attention: Editor. Excess smoke containing many hazardous chemicals is emitted when wood stoves are improperly used. These chemi- cals cannot be eliminated, but can be significantly reduced. - A hot fire with lots of oxygen will burn with almost no smoke or creosote build-up. Over- damping cuts off oxygen, pro- ducing a smoky fire. Too much wood in the stove cuts air and oxygen circulation. Keep the dampers open and pile the fuel loosely in the stove. ‘ Whether you have a stove or are buying a stove, the following is recommended — but only stoves with CSA or ULC labels on them. Stoves with baffles or air-tight side drafts burn more efficient- ly. Catalytic converters reduce creosote formation. Stack thermometers can help monitor flue temperature (should be 105 - 206 C). Masonry walls or floors help equalize indoor temperature by absorbing excess heat during a hot fire and re-radiating it after the fire is out. The right size stove for your home is important. A stove that is too.Jarge must be damped too much, cutting off oxygen. A guideline for choosing the right is approximately 50 BTU/ft2 and is partially depen- dent on the quality of insulation and number of windows in the home. Properly install your stove. Keep flue pipes as short and straight as possible. Chimneys must conform to building codes. Chimneys should exiend at least one metre above anything within a three tetre radius of the chim- ney. Outside air should be sup- plied to the firebox to avoid Wood heating: smoke, health and environment — and seasoned for at least six to eight months. Pile wood loosely in the firebox. Use small fuel loads and refuel often. Fully open the damper for a few min- utes before and after refueling. Refuel quickly to avoid loos- ing too much heat from the fire- box. Keep the damper at least partially open to reduce smoke and creosote production. Do not burn garbage. Remove the ashes frequently to maintain air cir- culation. burning warm interior air. Smoke alarms should be install- ed. Insulate your house to reduce heat loss. ‘Learn to burn-properly. Use wood that has been split, dried, COMING EVENTS | Our Coming Events column is a public service offered by the Ter- race Review. Deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. Coming Events must be malied In or dropped off at our office, 4535 Greig Avenue, typed or in legible wiiting. Information concerning the Twin River Estates project is available irom the Skeena Senior Citizens’ Housing Society office, corner of Apsley Street and Lakelse Avenue, each Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. Branch 73, B.C. Old Age Pensioners Organization, hold a pancake breakfast at the Happy Gang Centre the first Saturday of every month from 8 to 11 a.m. Everyone welcome! .- Wednesday, Jan. 9 — Registration for Tales for Twos for two-year-olds and Pre-School Storytimes for ages three to five starts today. The storytimes, which will run for eight weeks, will start on Jan. 23. Tales - for Twos will take place Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. and Pre-School Storytimes will take place Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Gall the Terrace Public Library at 638-8177 for further information. Thuraday, Jan. 10 — The Pacific Northwest Music Festival Committee would like to remind competitors and teachers that the deadiine date for entry into the Festival is Jan. 10, 1991. The Festival dates are March 10 to 23, 1991. Syllabuses and entry forms are available fram Sight and Sound in Terrace, Kitimat and Prince Rupart; from the public libraries In Terrace and Kitimat and from the Secretary, Box 456, Ter- race, B.C., V8G 4B5. Tuesday, Jan. 15 — Big Brothers and Big Sisters Affiliated will be meeting at the Inn of the West at 7:30:p.m. Piease note — the December meeting has been cancelled. Wednesday, Jan. 16 ~- Visit Australia through Theresa Brinkac’s - travel and video at 7 p.m. Free, al! welcome, at the Terrace Public - Library. Phone 638-8177 for further Information. ‘Saturday, Jan. 19 — The zone trials for the cross country ski events at the Northern B.C. Winter Games and the Kitimat open will be held at the Onion Lake SkI Trails. Race time is 11 a.m. Please pre-register by phoning Sue Thorne at 632-7632. Registration will also be accepted at 40 a.m. on race day. All ages of racers are welcome, however, com- ‘petitors must be 10 years of age by Dec. 31, 1990 to qualify for the Northern B.C. Winter Games. Saturday, Jan. 19 — Classical and jazz coffee concert at 7:30 p.m. at Knox United Church In Terrace. Andy and Marilyn Brodie, Jim Ryan, Michael Wen, Kevin Higgins, Rachel Reay Porter and Steffan Wegner performing. Tickets are available at Erwin Jewellers. Wednesday, Jan. 23 — Living With Cancer Support Group for Families and Friends meets at 7:30 p.m., 4623 Tuck Ave., Senior Citizens’ - Lounge. Sponsored by the Canadian Cancer Society. Contact Mrs. L. ' Nielsen at 635-2995 for further information. Jan. 25, 26 and 27 — Legion Open Bonspiel!! Three events, prizes, closing date Is Jan. 15. Enter your team now. Phone 635-5825 for fur- ther information. Saturday, Feb. 16 — Don’t miss the 15th annual BIG BAND DANCE at Caledonia Senior Secondary. Cocktails at 7 p.m., dinner at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at Sight and Sound. Call Claudia Edmonds at . 635-4341 for further Information. . “, NORTHWEST "Did know..." FOR HEALTH A public service feature by the Skeena Health Unit Contributed by Shirley Humphrey R.D.H. Registered Dental Hygienist Skeena Health Unit The use of smokeless tobacco by teenagers is rising?. Between 1976 and 1982 snuff use increased from four percent to 33 percent for youths age 13, and chewing tobacco use increased from 14 percent to 21 percent for youths age 16. Record numbers of teenage boys in particular are starting to use snuff. Promotion of smokeless tobacco products by athletes and teen . peers are two factors that have encouraged the boys to start using the substances. In comparison to smoking, snuff is less expensive and is an easier habit to conceal from adults. Regardless of the fac- tors that may cause the rise in smokeless tobacco use, the users need to be aware of the health risks they may face. What is Smokeless tobacco? There are two major forms of smokeless tobacco: @ Chewing tobacco — The tobacco is chewed by placing a gold ball size wad, (chaw), between the cheek and the teeth. The individual then chews and sucks on the chaw. e Snuff — Often snuff is sweetened, flavored, salted, or scented. Snuff is “dipped” by placing a pinch between the gum line and lower lip. is chewing tobacco and snuff a safe alternative to smoking? The answer is definitely, ‘no’! The level of nicotine in the blood of smokeless tobacco users exceeds that amount found in heavy cigarette smokers. Frequent users of smokeless tobacco become quickly ‘thooked" and require the stimulating effect of nicotine every 20 to 30 minutes. What are the Health Risks? Cancer: Smokeless tobacco contains large amounts of chemicals which have been associated with cancer. Long term use of .miokeless tobacco increases the risk of gum and cheek cancer by 50 percent. Dental Problems: The tobacco discolors the teeth and causes bad breath. It hastens tooth decay. Sweetened smokeless tobacco is common. Sugar, honey, molasses, syrup, and licorice are common- ly added to smokeless tobacco. Gum disease may result from smokeless tobacco use. The gum area where the tobacco is placed commonly recedes. As the gums recede the teeth will eventually become loose and may be fost. - In addition the individual may have loss in taste, increased blood: pressure aid experience nicotine poisoning. oe What can you do? 1. Don’t start chewing tobacco or snuff. 2. If you already have the habit, quit as soon as you are able, 3, Contact your Lung Association or physician for help in break- _ ing the habit. 4. Contact your doctor or dentist and have your mouth ex- amined. Ask these professionals what the signs of oral cancer are. 5. Become familiar with your mouth. Examine your mouth once a month and note any suspicious changes to your dentist or doctor as soon as possible. Early detection of cancer is crucial in its suc- cessful treatment. 6. Pass on health risk information concerning smokeless tobacco to others, especially your children. . 7. Be critical of all advertisements promoting the use of smokeless tobacco. Even if samples are free, don’t start, because you may “thite off more than you can chew!”’ What are your questions and concerns? Write us at: “Did You Know That...?”’ c/o Skeena Health Unit 3412 Kalum Street Terrace, B.C. V8G 4T2 Creating Independent futures for people with physical disabllities