Pediatrician urges state action on health risks of agricultural burning

Dr. Warren Skogg, a Jonesboro pediatrician, presented medical evidence and local measurements he says link seasonal agricultural burning to acute and chronic respiratory harms in Northeast Arkansas.

Skogg described the composition of agricultural smoke — including PM2.5, carbon monoxide and other gases — and cited epidemiological studies showing higher ER admissions and increased mortality associated with fine particulate matter. He said particulate spikes during fall burning have produced PM2.5 levels that are hazardous for sensitive groups and that children show pronounced, longer‑lasting effects.

Noting monitoring gaps, Skogg said the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality has limited monitors in the region (no permanent ADEQ monitors in Craighead County at the time he spoke) and shared results from his own portable sensor spot readings from 2016–2022 showing intermittent hazardous afternoons during harvest seasons. He referenced a 2021 peer‑reviewed local study that reported statistically higher fall asthma and COPD emergency visits in Craighead County compared with a control county.

Skogg reviewed the 2017 voluntary Row Crop Burning Smoke Management Guideline—endorsed by ADEQ and agricultural groups—but said uptake has been poor (he estimated about 10% of burns were reported to the Forestry Commission call center). He urged stronger monitoring, more research on health impacts, greater incentives and suggested convening a working group to improve guideline utilization; he also said permit systems are used in other states though they currently lack broad support locally.

The committee acknowledged the presentation and indicated the issue may be taken up in the next legislative session.