GMC, Illini Campus Partners With Q-C Businesses To Clear Air Of Leaf Smoke

SILVIS, Ill. – Instead of coughing, hacking and wheezing, there may be more “ahhs,’’ around Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus again this fall.

The patients of Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus and the residents of Crosstown Square and Illini Restorative Care may be able to breathe a little easier again this fall because of a partnership between Illini and two Quad Cities businesses.

Anchor Do-It Center in Silvis will supply free yard waste bags to residents in the neighborhood of Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus. Allied Waste Service of Bettendorf will pick up the bagged leaves without charge on the next two Tuesdays.

Free bags are available from the front desk of the hospital from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Residents in the hospital neighborhood can rake their leaves, bag them and have them hauled away without charge on Tuesday, Oct. 31 and Tuesday, Nov. 7

“We’re pleased to be able to do this again this year not only for our patients and the residents of Crosstown and Illini Restorative Care, but also for the neighbors of the hospital,’’ said Chuck Bruhn, CEO of Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus. “There are many studies that have shown the harmful effects of the smoke from burning leaves. We hope to be breathing a lot easier in the Illini neighborhood this fall and are happy to have the support of Anchor and Allied.

Burning leaves is a tradition that has been snuffed out in most communities, where the practice is no longer legal.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, leaf smoke produces particulate matter and hydrocarbons, which contain a number of toxic, irritating and cancer-causing compounds. Leaf smoke also contains carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide is absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs and combines with red blood cells. This reduces the amount of oxygen the red blood cells can absorb and supply to body tissues. Unborn children, newborn infants, smokers, the elderly and persons with heart and chronic lung disease are more susceptible to carbon monoxide than the general public.

Leaf smoke can trigger attacks in people with asthma.

###