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> From: Robert Watson <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: smoker fuel
> Date: Wednesday, May 21, 1997 11:20 PM
>
> On Tue, 20 May 1997, Bill Truesdell wrote:
>
> > I once used corrugated cardboard until I learned that some is treated
> > with chemicals harmful to bees, so I now use pine needles- the fuel
used
> > by every winner in the summer smoker contest at our Maine State
> > Beekeeper's Annual Picnic  for the past four years. The smoke is "cool"
> > and lasts long.
>
> Are egg cartons likely to contain anything harmful?  They are good for
> starting the fire, and I often continue to add more of the same as well
as
> grass and leaves on top for cool smoke.
>
> Rob
>
>
> Robert C.L. Watson
> [log in to unmask]
> pipe organ technician    organist - choirmaster    early woodwind player
> hobby beekeeper    homebrewer   tenor
 
If the egg cartons are the paper type they would probably be ok but the
Styrofoam type gives off noxious fumes when burned.
 
I use mostly pine needles but sometimes use burlap.  I had a number of
customers in the corrugated cardboard business and I can tell you their
products were safe.  They made their own glue from corn and wheat starch,
 
Frank & Phronsie Humphrey
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