The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Wood smoke contains a number of pollutants that can be harmful to your health. If you use a wood stove or fireplace in your home, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of health effects for your family and neighbors. Wood stoves are becoming more common in Canada. Some people use wood as a primary source of heat, and others have wood stoves as a back-up in case of emergencies, such as power failures. Wood heating is popular in some areas. It can be beneficial because wood is a renewable fuel. However, the smoke from wood stoves and fireplaces pollutes the air outdoors. Smoke from outside can seep into buildings, including nearby homes, affecting indoor air quality. The air inside your home can also be affected when you open the stove to add fuel, or if your wood stove leaks. The main pollutants in wood smoke that cause health concerns are: Particulate matter: This is the term for solid or liquid particles found in the air. They can be very small and can travel deep into your lungs, causing respiratory and heart problems. Carbon monoxide: This is a colorless, odourless gas that is poisonous at high levels. It can interfere with the delivery of oxygen in the blood to the rest of your body. ÊVolatile organic compounds: These are a wide range of compounds that usually have no color, taste or smell. Some cause direct health effects, while others contribute to smog. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: These compounds are a health concern because of their potential to cause cancer. Exposure to the pollutants in wood smoke can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea and dizziness. Wood smoke can also make asthma worse, and has been associated with an increase in respiratory problems. In large populations where wood smoke is a significant contributor to outdoor air pollution, studies have linked wood smoke to severe health risks, including increased hospital admissions and even premature death. In addition, studies of laboratory animals suggest that prolonged exposure to wood smoke may weaken the immune system. Breathing wood smoke is not healthy for anyone. However, the health risks are greater for people with existing heart and lung problems. Children are also at greater risk because their respiratory systems are still developing, and because they inhale more air due to their higher rates of activity. Minimizing risk The most effective thing you can do to reduce the risk of health effects from wood smoke is to switch to a different heat source, such as natural gas or oil. If you do heat with wood, you can minimize your risk by installing an Òadvanced combustionÓ wood stove or fireplace insert that reduces toxic emissions. When buying one of these appliances, look for a sticker from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The sticker certifies that the appliance emits up to 95 per cent fewer particulates and is up to 20 per cent more fuel efficient than conventional models. In addition, you can reduce the amount of wood you burn and lessen the impact of wood smoke by following these steps: ÊUse dry, clean wood that is properly seasoned. It should be cut, split and stacked in a covered area for about six months (including the summer months) before burning. Allow more ventilation when starting a fire, and close the dampers when the wood is well charred. This technique produces more heat, so you use less wood. Use smaller pieces of wood. They burn more efficiently so they are a better source of heat. Also, try to avoid burning wood on days when the air pollution level is high, and never burn wood that has been painted or chemically treated. On a related note, you should not bring wet or mouldy wood into your home, as this may expose your family to moulds and spores that can harm their health. People with respiratory conditions are thought to be especially sensitive to mold.
