CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Burning leaves and the use of backyard fire pits are common at this time of year but experts on lung health suggested people avoid both, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Angela Tin, senior director of clean air initiatives at the Chicago-based American Lung Association, said the smoke from burning leaves and fires in backyard pits can damage lung tissue.
She said the damage can increase the risk to people who contract respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 or the flu.
"Breathing in this contaminated material, the soot and the smoke that goes with it, is harmful to our lungs and it becomes weakened and it's hard to fight against a respiratory disease," Tin told WBBM Newsradio.
Tin said it's not just those who burn leaves or use backyard fire pits who could be at increased risk from COVID-19 or the flu. She said the smoke from those fires can be carried by the wind and affect neighbors who inhale it.
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