Indoor Air Pollution - Fireplaces

Most homes have fireplaces that burn wood. What most don't know is that if you don't burn the wood correctly, it could end pretty badly for you. Not only would it effect the people indoors, but also people near by. Up to 70% of smoke burning out of people's fireplaces can travel outside and into some nearby homes.

Could a cozy fire be burning your life away?

Wood smoke contains particles like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and sulfur dioxide. Wood smoke also contains nitrogen oxides that can cause scarring lung tissue. and contains carcinogenic chemicals such as benzene and dioxin.  Is comfort worth it when you know your family is in danger? I wouldn't burn even a chip of wood in my home knowing this information.

For more information on this topic, please check out these sources below:

• http://www.momscleanairforce.org/5-tips-for-cleaner-fires-from-a-chimney-sweep/
• http://www.iqair.com/newsroom/2013/wood-burning-fireplaces-not-such-hot-idea
• https://www.publichealthmdc.com/environmental/air/problems.cfm