Reianet Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts

Wood Burning Central

Wood-Burning Fireplaces

Wood-burning fireplaces are becoming more popular. There's something romantic and relaxing about sitting near a fireplace, hearing the crackle of the wood, and gazing at the flickering flames. And with soaring fossil fuel prices, many people believe that it's less expensive to burn wood for heat during the winter. But research shows that central heating is typically the most efficient and cheapest way to heat. Many people also think that burning wood is better for the environment since wood is a renewable resource; however, according the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wood burning is not environmentally friendly. In fact, wood results in high levels of air pollution that can harm the environment and your health.

"The largest single source of outdoor fine particles entering into our homes in many American cities is our neighbor's fireplace or wood stove," says Dr. Wayne Ott of Stanford University.

Wood smoke contains many of the same chemicals as cigarette smoke, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, hazardous metals, and known carcinogens such as formaldehyde, dioxin, benzene, and toluene. Inhaling wood smoke appears to be even more dangerous than inhaling tobacco smoke. An EPA study concluded that breathing wood smoke particles during high pollution days is equivalent to smoking 4 to 16 cigarettes. Medical studies have linked air pollution with lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, congenital heart defects, asthma, and even brain damage. People most at-risk for damage from air pollution include asthma sufferers, diabetics, those with congenital hearth failure, and children.

Dr. Ramierez-Venegas of the UK explains, "Biomass [wood] smoke is composed of a relatively equal mixture of coarse and ultra-fine particles and can penetrate deeply into the lung, producing a variety of morphologic and biochemical changes."

"Mammalian lungs don't have defenses against small particles," points out Joel Schwartz of the EPA. "Particulate pollution is the most important contaminant in our air... We know that when particle levels go up, people die."

Of course, it's best to avoid burning wood (for the benefit of your family, your neighbors, and the environment), but if you must, you can take steps to limit your exposure to the air pollution. Make sure your fireplace is working properly with a sufficient draft. Tightly sealed doors in front of the fireplace block out much pollution. Don't burn trash or treated wood, and make sure your wood has been split and dried for at least six months. Use small pieces of wood. Small, hot fires give off less pollution than smoldering fires.

Many air purifiers are specifically designed to handle the air pollution from smoke. Blueair air purifiers are available with SmokeStop Filters. The AllerAir 5000 DS air purifier is designed to absorb smoke, tar, fine ash, and other airborne particulates, and the IQAir Multigas air purifier removes a wide spectrum of gases and particulates, including smoke. If you want to get rid of the odor from smoke, try the Gonzo Smoke Odor Eliminator.

For more information about the medical hazards of wood smoke, visit Burning Issues, a non-profit research and educational organization.

About the Author

Scott Smith is an expert on indoor air quality and
air purifiers at achooallergy.com
.

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Napoleon EP90K Wood Burning Stove Screen - Black $90 This screen kit will add a truly elegant wood burning feel to your Napoleon 1600 model wood burning stove. Enjoy that open fire feeling without the any of the danger. This screen kit was designed to match the Napoleon 1600 Model Wood Burning Stove perfectly.

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Azteca Wood Burning Fire Pit $249.95 A wood firepit can make your backyard your new camping destination. Made from FirEx, a durable composite material that is molded similar to clay, but as strong as rock without being brittle, the Azteca Wood Burning Fire Pit is highly durable. Features a deep fire bowl to hold a roaring fire. Terra Cotta Finish Support Grate to Raise Fire Area Steel Liner Insert for Wood Burning Users Manual with Care and Use Information Heavy Base Stand, Powder Coated to Inhibit Rusting Handled Fire Safety Screen Carry Handles for Easy Arrangement Easy Set Up, approx 20-25 minutes Dimension 24"L x 24"W x 26"H Weight: 56 lbs Note: Always use a non-combustible hearth pad or brick pavers underneath a woodburning fireplace being used on top of combustible materials such as wood decking. This will protect against fire or heat damage.

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