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

American Lung Association of Illinois spokeswoman Kathy Drea said a ban on leaf burning is an issue they regularly think about. With a victory on their coveted smoking ban out of the way, she said they might consider turning some attention to leaves.

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

Drea said she will probably look for a lawmaker to sponsor a leaf-burning ban soon. If someone agrees, they're assured 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 last push for 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 they should do with them otherwise.

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