SPRINGFIELD | Fresh from urging lawmakers to ban most indoor smoking in Illinois, the American Lung Association might turn its efforts next year toward pushing for a statewide ban on burning leaves.

Kathy Drea, spokeswoman for the American Lung Association of Illinois, said a ban on leaf burning is an issue the group regularly thinks about.

Many Illinois communities, including most of the state's larger cities, already ban leaf burning. But several attempts to do the same statewide have failed.

Drea said she probably will look for a lawmaker to sponsor a leaf burning ban soon. If someone agrees, it's going to be a tough fight, Drea said.

"It's just so controversial," she said.

Illinois Municipal League Executive Director Larry Frang said he didn't know how many communities have already banned burning.

But Frang said his group would fight any state law that would force the issue.

"It's a removal of local control," he said.

Drea argued that the smoke generated by burning leaves can harm those with weaker lungs, such as children and the elderly.

"It's very hard on a child with asthma," she said.

State Rep. Mike Boland, D-East Moline, was around for the effort to enact a ban and agreed it was a controversial undertaking.

He's not sure the idea would find much support among lawmakers next year at least partly because people who burn leaves will be asking what the alternatives are.

"It's one of those issues of personal freedom," Boland said.

Mike Riopell can be reached at mike.riopell@lee.net or (217) 789-0865.