Smoke from Wood Burning Stoves
Concerns, Trigger Description and What you can do
- Poor Air Quality
- Tobacco Smoke
- Smoke from Wood Burning Stoves
- Volatile Organic Compounds
- Pollen
- Molds
- Dust Mites
- Cockroaches
- Pet dander
- Poorly Maintained Appliances
- Traveling
Complete Solutions (PDF 196kb)
Trigger Description and What you can do
Smoke from wood burning stoves or fireplaces affects health and can exacerbate symptoms in persons with COPD and asthma, even at low levels. Smoke can also drift onto a neighbor=s property and affect their health.
What you can do:
Avoid using wood burning fireplaces. Switch to a vented gas fireplace.
Avoid using wood burning stoves. If you must use a wood burning stove, make sure it is EPA-emission certified. Stoves made after 1990 are generally EPA certified.
Use only firewood that has been dry for several months and avoid chemically treated wood. Never burn household waste.
Have your wood stove, fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned annually.
Use an electric starter instead of charcoal lighter fluid if you barbeque outside.
For More Information about Second-Hand
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/asthma/no2.html
and
Indoor Air and Combustion Appliances
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/combust.html