On November 7th, 2011, the University of Massachusetts Lowell hosted a science policy symposium to examine the public health implications of using wood biomass to provide heat and power for industries, commercial enterprises, and institutions (ICI).
The objectives of the symposium were to:
- learn about the state of the science on health effects associated with ICI wood combustion;
- discuss policy changes that hold promise for enhancing public health protection in the context of ICI wood burning.
Over half the participants were senior staff and officials from state and federal health, environment, education, forestry and energy agencies in the Northeast. There were also health scientists, health professionals and other relevant experts, and representatives of advocacy organizations and biomass industry organizations.
The agenda included presentations by scientists and policy leaders and roundtable discussion about promising policy and program opportunities for filling scientific gaps and promoting healthy renewable energy. Presenters’ slides are available. A workshop report—to be completed by December 2011—will summarize the presentations, discussion and priority recommendations.
The symposium was made possible through generous financial support from the Heinz Endowments and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. It was co-hosted by a number of private and public institutions and organizations including:
- American Lung Association
- Asthma Regional Council of New England
- Massachusetts Medical Society
- New England College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
- Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management
- New York State Energy Research & Development Authority
- University of British Columbia
