Open burning releases large quantities of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5.  This pollutant can be inhaled and cause serious illnesses, especially in children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease.  While PM2.5 in air can originate from many different sources, open burning accounts for about 60% alone.  ADEM’s regulations regarding open burning help ensure all areas of the state have healthy air quality. 

Source sampling activities include Emissions Testing, Relative Accuracy Test Audits (RATAs), Cylinder Gas Audits (CGAs), Opacity Audits, and Leak Detection Audits (LDA). The Emissions Measurement Section (EMS) at ADEM ensures these tests are conducted in accordance with state and federal regulations by reviewing test plans, observing emissions tests, and evaluating the test reports. In addition, the EMS has a test team that performs stack tests around the state.