Lead in venison may be a health concern for some. Venison is a valuable source of locally harvested protein for hunters and their families, as well as for food pantries.  However, recent evidence from Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota indicate that lead bullets fragment more than previously believed and can contaminate cuts of venison, even those taken far from where the bullet enters the deer.  In general, ground venison is more often contaminated that whole cuts.  Consumption of venison harvested with lead bullets may be a health concern for some consumers, especially pregnant women and young children.  For more information, please see this new fact sheet from the Connecticut Dept of Environmental Protection.  

Wood burning in any form produces nuisance odors and smoke.  The smoke is made of very small particulates that can have serious health effects if concentrations are high enough.

CT DPH is aware of numerous complaints due to smoke coming from various wood burning devices including “outdoor wood boilers” and wood stoves.  Owners of wood burning devices can follow some simple steps to reduce the amount of smoke produced.  The primary precaution is to only burn dry, well seared wood.

Neighbors negatively impacted by wood smoke may file complaints with a number of government agencies.  CT DEP regulates Outdoor Wood Burners (OWBs) and they should be your first call if you live near a problem OWB:  CT DEEP Wood Burning Web page

Your local health department can also respond to wood smoke violations, as well as your local Fire Marshall.

Response to Wood Burning Complaints in Connecticut (pdf)

Guidance to support local health directors in their effort to address local nuisance complaints stemming from woodburning.

Outdoor Wood Boilers (NYDH)

EPA Burnwise Web page

Wet Wood is a Waste (video)