Wood-burning devices pose harm to lung health, reported the American Lung Association.

1. Toxic Emissions from Wood-
Burning Devices Can Harm
Overall Health
Creative Masonry & Chimney LLC
1451 New Britain Ave #29, Farmington, Conneticut 06032
(860) 225-9178

2. Wood-burning devices pose harm to lung health, reported the American Lung Association. According
to the organization, the toxic emissions from wood smoke may cause adverse effects to homeowners.
Smoke from burning wood or other organic matter is composed of a complex mixture of gases and
fine particles (also known as particulate matter or PM 2.5). In addition to particulate matter, the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that wood smoke contains several harmful toxic
pollutants, including but not limited to:
 Formaldehyde
 Benzene
 Acrolein
 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)
As mentioned, overexposure to these pollutants will have short- and long-term effects on the
homeowner’s health.

3. Health Effects of Wood Smoke
The fine particles in wood smoke can get into the eyes and respiratory system. Since fine particles
are smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. Their small size enables them to get deep into an
individual’s lungs, harming it along with the heart and blood vessels. Particulate matter combined
with carbon monoxide, black carbon, and other volatile organic compounds in wood smoke triggers
wheezing, coughing, burning eyes, and severe asthma attacks.
Homeowners frequently exposed to wood smoke also increases their risks of the following health
concerns:
 Stroke
 Heart attacks
 Irregular heart rhythm
 Heart failure
 Bronchitis
 Lung cancer

4. Wood smoke affects everyone, but people with lung diseases or heart conditions are more
vulnerable.
Safety Measures
In 2015, the EPA announced new standards for wood-burning devices to protect the health of
American homeowners. The organization also encouraged the purchase of cleaner wood-burning
devices. In 2016, they allowed the sale of stoves and heaters that met the new standards. The EPA
gave the wood-burning industry five years to produce units with stronger smoke limits.
Homeowners with fireplaces can reduce the health risks by using newer inserts. According to the
EPA, models manufactured after 1992 burn cleaner compared to older models.
Proper installation and continuous maintenance of these devices can also reduce indoor and outdoor
pollution resulting from burning wood. Regular inspection by certified personnel ensures the good
condition of these wood-burning devices.
Proper fireplace and stove practices can reduce the risks of health concerns due to wood-burning
devices. The American Lung Association reminded homeowners to burn cleaner fuel and look for the
cleanest burning devices.

5. Sources:
https://creativemasonryct.com
https://www.lung.org/about-us/media/top-stories/wood-stoves-harm-health.html
https://www.epa.gov/burnwise/wood-smoke-and-your-health