Dioxins & Other Combustion By-Products

Dioxins and other combustion by-products, including dibenzo[a,h]anthracene, can be produced through the burning of household waste, wood, and fossil fuels. These by-products can then make their way into the sewer and waterways. Learn more about how you can help reduce the amount of combustion by-products generated.

Backyard Burning

Burning household waste can produce dioxin and other combustion by-products. The California Air Resources Board prohibits the use of burn barrels and outside burning of trash or garbage throughout California. The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District also prohibits open burning of vegetation in most areas of Sacramento County and in the entire County on agricultural no-burn days. When possible, try recycling and composting instead. Disposal of household garbage and vegetation at landfills can reduce dioxin and other combustion by-product emissions to the air.

Wood Burning Fireplaces

Indoor and outdoor fireplaces, wood stoves, fire pits and chimneys that burn wood, pellets, manufactured logs and other solid fuel can produce combustion by-products. Refraining from the use of these devices can reduce the amount of dioxin and combustion by-products released to the environment. For more information on reducing wood smoke pollution, visit Spare the Air.