Wood-burning fireplaces and your health: What to know to stay safe

Wood-burning fireplaces can produce various pollutants that can be harmful to your health. AccuWeather recommends taking these precautions to reduce the risk of adverse health impacts:

• Use clean wood that has been dried for at least six months. This will burn cleaner and more efficiently.
• Build small fires and never burn garbage.
• Directly vent heating devices outside the home. This will reduce exposure to carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and other harmful particles.
• Monitor the air quality in your area. If the air quality is poor, use alternative heating options if available.
• If you live with someone with lung or heart disease, use an air filter to reduce the airborne particles.

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