Four key factors impact the amount of wood smoke around your home: (1) the type of wood burned (seasoned or not), (2.) the condition of wood stove used (EPA certified or not), (3.) whether the operator gives the stove enough air, and (4.) where the home is located (rural or urban, valley or ridge etc.).

Firewood banks should always be aware of potential public health problems from wood smoke and the steps they can take to reduce it. First, use your moisture meter to ensure wood that is being delivered is seasoned properly (20% moisture or less). Secondly, make sure to check with your local government or local air quality agency to see if there have been complaints about wood smoke or if there are laws restricting the burning of wood, or periodic “burn bans." Be aware that the geography of some areas, especially valleys or along large bodies of water, can make them particularly susceptible to air inversions (where warm air traps cold air underneath). Air inversions trap wood smoke at ground level and create a buildup of smoke that can harm health.
 

Firewood banks should also check to see if the households you are serving (i.e. low income) may be eligible for additional weatherization or energy assistance, such as insulation, wood (all
states subsidize wood fuel via LIHEAP), free repairs or even a new stove or heater, like a heat pump. Finally, make sure that your firewood bank is not supporting “nuisance burners” those who
produce excessive smoke that impacts neighbors. We recommend that firewood banks not provide wood to homes with old outdoor wood boilers since they are notoriously inefficient
and smoky.