Welfare Effects of Smoke

Soiling of Materials

The deposition of smoke particles on the surface of buildings, automobiles, clothing, and other objects reduces aesthetic appeal and damages a variety of objects and building structures (Baedecker and others 1991). Studies of the effect of aerodynamic particle size on soiling have concluded that coarse particles (2.5 to 10µm) initially contribute more to soiling of both horizontal and vertical surfaces than do fine particles (less than 2.5µm), but that coarse particles are more easily removed by rainfall (Haynie and Lemmons 1990). Smoke from fires is largely within the fine mode, although ash fallout in the near vicinity of a fire is often also a concern. Smoke may also discolor artificial surfaces such as building bricks or stucco, requiring cleaning or repainting. Increasing the frequency of cleaning, washing, or repainting soiled surfaces becomes an economic burden and can reduce the life usefulness of the soiled material (Maler and Wyzga 1976).

Soiling from smoke also changes the reflectance of opaque materials and reduces light transmission through windows and other transparent materials (Beloin and Haynie 1975).

When fine smoke particles (less than 2.5µm) infiltrate indoor environments, soiling of fabrics, painted interior walls, and works of art may occur. Curtains may require more frequent washing because of soiling or may deteriorate along folds in the fabric after being weakened by particle exposure (Yocom and Upham 1977). As in the case of corrosion damage from acidified particles, these same particles accelerate damage to painted surfaces (Cowling and Roberts 1954). Studies of the soiling of works of art at a museum in southern California concluded that a significant fraction of the dark-colored fine mode elemental carbon and soil dust originated from outdoor sources (Ligocki and others 1993). Smoke from fires is one source of elemental carbon. For more information see Soiling-related Economic Costs.

Public Nuisance and Visibility Loss

Nuisance smoke is the amount of smoke in the ambient air that interferes with a right or privilege common to members of the public, including the use or enjoyment of public or private resources (EPA 1990). The abatement of nuisance smoke is one of the most important objectives of successful smoke management (Shelby and Speaker 1990). Public complaints about nuisance smoke are linked to loss of visibility, odors, and ash fallout that soils buildings, cars, laundry, and other objects. Acrolein (and possibly formaldehyde) in smoke at distances of 1 mile from the fireline are likely to cause eye and nose irritation, exacerbating public nuisance conditions (Sandberg and Dost 1990).

Perhaps the most significant nuisance effect of smoke from fire is local visibility reduction in areas impacted by the plume. While visibility loss within Class I areas is subject to regulation under the Clean Air Act, smoke plume-related visibility degradation in urban and rural communities is not. Nuisance is usually regulated under State and local laws and is frequently based on public complaint or, when highway safety is compromised, the risk of litigation (Eshee 1995). The courts have also ruled that the taking of private property by interfering with its use and enjoyment caused by smoke (and without just compensation) is in violation of Federal Constitutional provisions under the Fifth Amendment. The trespass of smoke may diminish the value of the property, resulting in losses to the owner (Iowa Supreme Court 1998).

Because the public links visibility loss with concerns about the health implications of breathing smoke, smoke management programs have been under increasing pressure to minimize emissions and reduce smoke impacts to the greatest degree possible (Core 1989). Visibility reduction is used as a measure of smoke intrusions in several smoke management plans. The State of Oregon program operational guidance defines a "moderately" intense intrusion as a reduction of from 4.6 to 11.4 miles from a background visibility of more than 50 miles (Oregon Department of Forestry 1992). The State of Washington smoke intrusion reporting system uses a "slightly visible," "noticeable impact on visibility" or "excessive impact on visibility" to define light, medium, and heavy intrusions (Washington Department of Natural Resources 1993). The State of New Mexico program requires that visibility impacts of smoke be considered in development of the units burn prescription (New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board 1995).