8 Ways Your Fireplace Could Be Actually Toxic

Be careful if you have any respiratory conditions

If you suffer from respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) you have to pay more attention to your fireplace because you can put yourself at risk by regularly using it. 

COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease and symptoms include breathing difficulties, coughing, mucus production, and wheezing. This disease usually occurs when someone is exposed to some harmful gases that irritate their lungs in the long run. 

“If you have an existing respiratory condition, you should really pay close attention to air quality in your home,” Dr. Tong says.

Instead, you can opt for a humidifier or air purifier that helps reduce the risk of developing this disease and removes fine particles that contain dangerous chemicals.

 

You can develop bronchitis

Unfortunately, people who use their fireplace are more likely to develop bronchitis. However, another important thing about this disease is to pay attention to what type of materials you choose to burn because certain woods can produce less smoke and are not so harmful.

That being said, wood smoke can lead to chronic bronchitis, so instead, try to choose the best wood that produces less smoke. One of the most important things that you have to take into consideration when using your fireplace is to ventilate your house every day or try to install a humidifier or air purifier if you can’t open your windows often, especially during the winter when it’s too cold outside (but try to open your windows for at least ten minutes every day though).