Is Burning Coal in a Stove Harmful?
Coal-burning stoves are a cheap, efficient way to heat your home in the winter months. With proper care and operation a coal stove is very safe, and is no more harmful than heating your home with wood.
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Types
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There are two primary types of coal stoves: hand-fired coal stoves and stoker coal stoves. Hand-fired coal stoves need attention every six to eight hours to ensure the ash remains shaken down to keep the fire burning. Stoker coal stoves are more "automatic," as they will continue to burn unattended as long as the hopper contains coal.
Benefits
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Coal is very cheap when compared to other fuel sources. It burns much hotter and longer than wood, and with proper air circulation, one coal stove can heat an entire house.
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Considerations
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There are toxins found in coal that are known carcinogens. The continued inhalation of particulate matter and dust from burning coal is a possible lung cancer risk factor. Proper installation and ventilation of a coal stove is vital and will prevent these harmful effects.
Warning
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Coal should only be burned in a specifically designed stove. Never attempt to burn coal in a stove built for wood fuel.
Never start a coal fire if the outside temperature is above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fun Fact
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The entire supply of coal on earth will last only 500 years, and that coal took over 100 million years to develop.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Mike McCune
