Ask A Scientist© Chemistry Archive

 
name       Jennifer
status     other
age        30s

Question - I have been given a wood/coal burning insert for my
fireplace. I have parrots and I am concerned that the burning of coal
will harm them. Granted, wood fumes and smoke are not great for them, I
was wondering if the coal emissions are more likely to cause them harm?
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If the insert and your flue are functioning properly, the smoke from the
fire will go up the chimney and not into the room. This way, the problem is
outside, in the community, instead of inside your house.

Richard E. Barrans Jr., Ph.D.
Assistant Director
PG Research Foundation, Darien, Illinois
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