The distinctive smell of wood smoke is a sign of the heating season. It may smell good, but wood smoke can impact indoor air quality and your health. Smoke is a mixture of tiny particles and gases produced when wood burns – the fine particles can get into your eyes and lungs, where they may aggravate some health conditions like lung disease, bronchitis and asthma.
Viewer Tip: Use these “best burn practices” at home to minimize wood smoke and protect your health:
- Before you burn, make sure your chimney is clean – a clean chimney provides a good draft and reduces the risk of chimney fire. Have your chimney inspected by a professional at least once per year and regularly clean ashes from your fireplace or wood-burning stove to increase efficiency.
If you burn wood at home – even occasionally – install a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector to keep you and your family safe. If you already have detectors, check the batteries to make sure they are working properly.
Visit Earth Gauge for more tips!
(Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Burn Wise: Consumers – Best Burn Practices.)