Although we live in a warm climate, winters are full of toasty fires burning in our fireplaces or wood stoves. Wood and pellet stoves are cleaner than older fireplaces and emit less soot. The episodic reduction program provides days with poor weather conditions and regulates wildfire emissions. On days when particulate matter is expected to be higher than 65 ug/m3, the use of residential fireplaces is prohibited, on days when 20-65 ug/m3 is recorded, clean burning devices can be used, if the level is less than 20 ug/m3 during combustion. still not recommended, it is allowed for all devices. http://valleyair.org/rule4901/episodic-curtailments.htm If you choose to turn on the heat, you are also using a gas source. Aerosol sprays, hairspray, deodorants, bug sprays, paints, all release microdroplets that create pollution. While many residents take pride in their lawns and yards, an hour-long cleanup with a leaf blower can produce as many pollutants as a 100-mile car trip. The agents used in fan gas are the same as those found in engine exhaust. Not to mention, the leaf blower's main purpose is to blow dust and debris away from the area. They essentially disturb the settled dust and recirculate it into the air. Emissions from lawnmowers are not regulated, like cars, they also emit emissions, however, unlike cars, they are not designed to help filter or control this problem.