Patty grew up on a farm in Eastern Washington and has lived in Spokane for 22 years. Several years ago, she developed adult onset asthma and smoke is her most serious trigger. She has done everything she can to protect herself from smoke, and does well all year - until the burning starts. Her attacks are so severe that her family is frightened. Her children have asked her if she is going to die. Her recovery takes months - long after the smoke is gone.

In order to survive the field burning season in Spokane, Patty is forced to take massive doses of injected cortisone - doses so high that the nurses always double check with the doctor to make sure he really wants her to have such a high dose.

This is what the cortisone does to Patty. The cortisone causes her muscles to waste away, her skin to thin and become so fragile that it tears; she gains weight, has difficulty sleeping, and must take medications to prevent stomach ulcers and other potential side effects of the cortisone. Her illness prevents her from working full-time, and her income is reduced as a result.

Last summer, rather than risk the effects of the smoke or the cortisone, Patti left her home, her job and her family during the burn season.

This is a cost of burning bluegrass that Patti and her family are expected to pay.

Asthma Facts   Asthma attacks can last for months, long after the smoke is gone. Asthma death rates have increased dramatically over the past 10 years. In December 1996, the WSU Department of Agricultural Economics completed a cost-benefit analysis which concluded that the benefits to the public of reducing grass smoke emissions ($8.4 million) far outweigh the costs to industry ($5.6 million) to use alternatives to burning. People like Patti are being forced to subsize the Grass Industry with their health.