FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Some people might be surprised to learn that open burning of brush and debris on private property in Baldwin County from May through October violates state environmental laws.

During those months, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management revokes any permission given for open burning in 11 other counties as well, including Mobile, and imposes a strict ban on a practice fairly common in some areas.

“We work with local city and county law agencies to enforce the burn ban,” said ADEM spokesman Jerome Hand. “It’s part of our program under the Clean Air Act. When we receive complaints, we respond to them. Fines have averaged about $1,500.”

The American Lung Association recently announced its annual State of the Air report which included grades for 17 Alabama counties, which Baldwin County flunked for ozone pollution.

Although the county received an A for particle pollution levels, it received an F for ozone levels.

The ALA based its rankings on the number of days between 2005 and 2007 when ozone levels were considered unhealthy. In that three-year period, ozone levels exceeded healthy limits 27 times in Baldwin County.

The other 10 counties where the state burn ban is effect are DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Montgomery, Morgan, Russell, Shelby and Talladega.

Hand said ground-level ozone pollution is caused by factors such as population size, geography, topography, number of automobiles and other gas-powered vehicles, climate and temperature.

“Prohibiting the open burning of wood, tree trimmings, brush and debris generated by land clearing and construction/demolition activities is an effective way to reduce the formation of ground-level ozone,” Hand said.

The health effects of ozone can be serious, according to the ALA, especially senior citizens, children and for those already suffering from asthma and other respiratory problems.

Ozone is the primary air ingredient of smog pollution and attacks lung tissue by reacting chemically with it, according to the ALA.

“The burn ban is one of many tools that the department utilizes to maintain air quality in Alabama,” said ADEM Director Trey Glenn.

Instead of open burning, ADEM suggests composting yard waste and using leaves, straw and grass clippings for mulch. In addition to providing air quality benefits, utilizing mulch in flower beds and gardens will also support efforts to conserve water resources, according to ADEM.