The formation of CABRA
CABRA was formed because of experiences with smoke from
neighbouring wood heaters, concerns about installations made without
consultation or consideration for the health and lifestyle of neighbours, a
general lack of awareness of the health effects of wood smoke and the inability
of government agencies to adequately address this public health issue.
CABRA finds it difficult to understand why government agencies approve of wood heaters which can emit harmful particulates and noxious, carcinogenic fumes, can consume household and garden rubbish and CCA treated timber, can smoulder away for many hours of the day and night for many months at a time and have extremely limited, if any, effective legal control. As smoke emissions are so invasive, authorities seem unable to measure the health impacts of smoke, seemingly considering it a nuisance rather than a health issue.
Wood smoke is not stopped by closed windows and doors.
It seeps into houses and becomes a form of passive smoking forced upon
people in the enclosed space of their own home.
Unlike public places which can easily be vacated, or
avoided by choice if cigarette smoke becomes distressing, the unwelcome invasion
by wood smoke into private homes affords the occupants no choice, or opportunity
to avoid.
Queensland State legislation is now in place which bans cigarette smoking in all enclosed dining areas and other public places for the very reason of acknowledgement that passive smoking kills.
Backyard incinerators have long been banned in residential areas.
When is the government going to show consistency and bring in similar legislation to protect people from involuntarily breathing wood smoke in their own homes?