Wood Burning & Air Pollution

A wood fire can be a welcome oasis of warmth on a cold, blustery night. Concerns over the safety of the resulting smoke, however, have become a point of contention in recent years.

Chemicals

• According to a 1993 study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wood smoke contains about 50 different chemicals---including carbon monoxide---some of which are carcinogens.

Particulates

• The most significant problem with wood smoke is the release of particulate pollution---tiny solid hydrocarbon particles found in soot and in tarry substances---that are harmful to breathe in high concentrations. According to a 2005 USA Today article, research has shown that particulate pollution "worsens heart disease and triggers asthma attacks."

Smoke, Not Fire

• Burning wood is not as much a problem as burning wood incorrectly. Smoldering fires that puff smoke are much higher in particles than hot-burning fires that give off little to no smoke.

Prevention/Solution

• Hardwoods and properly seasoned firewood burn more evenly and emit less smoke than softwoods. Wood should always flame when burning, with clear or white smoke coming from the chimney---gray or bluish smoke indicates the presence of more particulates.

Stoves

• EPA-certified wood stoves can cut emissions by as much as 90 percent, as some have catalytic converters that reduce particulate pollution.