Are You Using Your Fireplace Safely?

Cold winter nights lead many to light a fire for heat and comfort. But an outmoded fireplace or wood stove not only pollutes the outdoors, but the indoors as well.

Old fireplaces and stoves can emit eight times as much dangerous microparticulate matter per hour as new ones that meet the EPA's standards. Old fireplaces and old stoves can emit 60 times as much pollution as super-clean models.

In some parts of the U.S., wood-burning accounts for as much as 80 percent of the particulate pollution in the winter. Since millions of dangerous old stoves and fireplaces are still in operation, the EPA operates a change-out program in some regions.

Particle pollution can cause serious health problems including difficulty breathing, development of chronic bronchitis, irregular heartbeat, and premature death in people with heart or lung disease.

Sources:
Sierra Club December 21, 2009
http://blogs.mercola.com/sites/vitalvotes/archive/2010/01/08/Is-Your-Fireplace-Trying-to-Kill-You.aspx

Important Notice: Information provided is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your community pharmacist or physician about any health care questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to health care issues.