Fireplace Safety: Common Hazards Homeowners Should Know
Those of us in Chicago know how brutal our Midwestern winters can be; frigid and to the bone. We all rush home to strip out of layers and find something warm to drink. Then we cozy up next to the fireplace to melt away the icy weather. However, it’s important to remember that your cozy fireplace could be hazardous to your health if not maintained properly. In this guide, we will cover fireplace safety, ensuring you can enjoy your fireplace this winter.
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, there are a few things you should know. Smoke affects both your home and your health.
What exactly makes up wood smoke?
Burning wood creates a mixture of gases and fine particles — also called particle pollution or particulate matter. Wood smoke also contains several toxic pollutants, such as: benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein, and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons).
According to the EPA, burning wood efficiently creates less smoke. Use an EPA-certified wood stove along with dry, seasoned wood.
What are the health effects of wood smoke?
Something about the aroma of burning wood feels so comforting. Sadly, it isn’t great for you — especially indoors. The biggest threat to your health comes from the fine particles found in the smoke that are so microscopic that they can get into your eyes and lungs, which could lead to a spectrum of health issues ranging from a runny nose to bronchitis. Those at risk of heart attack, stroke, asthma or heart failure can be triggered by these fine particles.
Who is most at risk?
Wood smoke affects everyone. But children, teenagers, older people, and those with lung or heart disease face the greatest danger from inhaling it. New mothers and those who are pregnant should also steer clear of wood smoke. Some studies indicate they face a higher risk too.
Fireplace Safety Tips
Now that we’ve covered some basics, here are a few easy to follow safety tips that will have your fireplace running smoothly and keep your home’s air clean and safe for your family.
- Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: The EPA reports that nearly 3,000 people die in U.S. home fires each year, mainly from smoke inhalation. Properly install and maintain your smoke detectors, check them regularly and replace the batteries frequently. Smoke & carbon monoxide alarms are among the best forms of early home fire, smoke or carbon monoxide warnings. Precautions save lives!
- Crack a Window: This may not always be feasible in Chicago, but if you can crack a window to facilitate ventilation you can help keep your indoor air fresh while also keeping warm.
- Open Up: Make sure the flue or damper is opened up before you start your fire. This will help draw more smoke out of your home. You can do this by using a flashlight and looking up. Don’t close them until the embers are completely out.
- Pick the Right Wood: The best wood for burning is dry and well ages, it will burn more evenly and produce minimal smoke. Wet or green wood will produce more smoke and add to build up of soot in the chimney. Additionally, smaller pieces of wood on a grate will burn faster and create less smoke as well.
- A Clean Chimney is a Safe One: Ashes can build up at the base of your fireplace, always be sure to keep the layer under 1 inch or less. A thicker layer restricts oxygen to the logs, resulting in more smoke.
- Have your chimney professionally inspected once a year: If you haven’t used your chimney in sometime, it may still require professional inspection to check for nests or other blockages that could keep the smoke from escaping.
- Keep it Clear: The area around your chimney should be clear of anything flammable, such as furniture, drapes, paper products, clothing, and so on. Too close and you could have a catastrophe on your hands!
- Watch Carefully: Never ever leave a fire unattended and make sure it’s completely out before leaving your home or going to bed. If you leave the room while the fireplace is hot or still on and have a small child, take them with you.
You can further minimize the worry and the risk of your child burning themselves by installing a safety screen and keeping fireplace tools out of reach, including matches and lighters.
Above all, educate your children as early as possible about the dangers of fire and the heat fires generate.
Winter is when we all want to rush home, warm up and get cozy. What better way to do this than to do so without the worry of house fire, poor indoor air quality or possible health issues? This checklist should help keep your mind at ease as you warm your toes and thaw out!
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