Allergic Symptoms for Fireplace Smoke
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that wood smoke is comprised of gases and fine particulates that aren't healthy to inhale, whether you are inside with the fireplace, or outside and downwind from one.
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Toxic Ingredients
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Wood smoke produced by fireplaces is toxic. According to the Allergy, Sensitivity and Environmental Health Association (ASEHA), it contains carcinogenic substances including aldehydes, dioxin, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and ultrafine particulate matter.
Respiratory Allergy Symptoms
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The ASEHA reports that U.S. children living in homes with wood stoves have more respiratory allergy symptoms, including sore throats, wheezing, coughing and reduced lung function, than children who do not have wood smoke in their homes.
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Asthma Aggravation
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Wood smoke can worsen asthma symptoms, according to a 2006 article in the European Respiratory Journal titled "Shedding new light on wood smoke: a risk factor for respiratory health".
Serious Symptoms
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According to the ASEHA, wood smoke inhalation can also lead to obstructive airway disease; higher incidence of bacterial infections; cataracts; eye lens opacification; bronchiolitis; ear inflammation; reduced oxygen in blood; cancer; migraine; pneumonitis; fibrosis of the lungs; and death.
Most At-Risk
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The EPA warns that wood smoke from fireplaces can be especially harmful for children, senior citizens and those with heart disease, asthma or other lung diseases.
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References
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Burn Wise for Safer, Healthier Winter
- Allergy, Sensitivity & Environmental Health Association: Health Effects of Woodsmoke
- "European Respiratory Journal"; Shedding new light on wood smoke: a risk factor for respiratory health; C. Boman, B. Forsberg and T. Sandström; 2006
Resources
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