Fireplace Season and Indoor Air Quality: Protecting Sinus Health
As the holiday season approaches in Connecticut, many of us look forward to the crackling warmth of wooden fireplaces, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for family gatherings and holiday traditions.
While fireplaces provide comfort on chilly winter nights, they can also impact indoor air quality. Fireplaces, wood stoves, and gas stoves release harmful chemicals and pollutants into the air. If not properly managed, these can pose serious health risks to you and your family during this festive season.
The Connection Between Fireplaces and Indoor Air Quality
Here are the common pollutants that your fireplace can produce that can compromise your family’s indoor air quality:
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
One of the primary concerns of using fireplaces is the release of carbon monoxide. CO gas is colorless and odorless. Carbon monoxide poisoning is often mistaken for the flu or food poisoning. Exposure to CO gas can interfere with the body’s ability to utilize oxygen. This results in dizziness, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and confusion.
High levels of CO exposure can cause a loss of consciousness or even death. Infants and the elderly are more at risk when there is CO exposure.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
Known as an eye, nose, and throat irritant, NO2 causes shortness of breath when an individual is exposed to high concentrations of it. There is also an increased risk of respiratory infection and lung disease associated with it. Those with asthma or an existing respiratory disease are at a higher risk when exposed to NO2.
Particles
Burning wood in fireplaces releases particles into the air including ash and soot. These can make their way into the lungs as we breathe in. These particles, when inhaled, can be detrimental to respiratory health. People with pre-existing conditions like asthma and bronchitis are at a higher risk of developing long-term damage/
Ensure Quality Indoor Air and Protect Your Sinus Health With These Practical Steps
For your and your family’s sake, take extra precautions to ensure quality indoor air and healthy sinuses this fireplace season with these practical tips:
- Install a quality IAQ monitor
Installing a quality IAQ (indoor air quality) monitor will allow you to keep an eye on CO2, NO2, and particulate levels among other contaminants. It also lets you know your home’s current humidity levels. This can alert you if certain levels are higher than they should be.
- Use the right fuel
Burn cleaner and more efficiently by using seasoned wood in your fireplace. Hardwood including oak, ash, maple, and beech are a particularly good choice. Avoid burning painted, treated, or wet wood.
- Use quality air filters
Make sure that your home’s HVAC system uses quality air filters. These trap and remove harmful particles and pollutants from circulating in your home’s indoor air. Regularly clean and replace them.
- Invest in an air purifier
Investing and installing an air purifier in your home is an excellent way to filter out pollutants, allergens, dust, and fine particulate matter that can be harmful to your sinuses, lungs, respiratory system, and health.
- Don’t forget regular fireplace maintenance
Proper maintenance is key to keeping your fireplace performing and burning efficiently. Do routine annual cleaning and inspection of your home’s fireplace and ventilation system. This lets you know of any concerns such as blocked chimneys, leaks, venting issues and so much more that can be detrimental to indoor air quality.
- Ensure proper ventilation
Proper ventilation goes a long way to maintaining healthy indoor air quality. When the weather permits, open doors and windows to let the air inside. Use exhaust fans where needed and invest in a quality air purifier.
- Choose a cleaner and more efficient burning option
If you feel like it’s time to get a new fireplace, consider getting newer and modern models as these are typically designed for cleaner burning and combustion. As a result, they tend to release fewer pollutants and particulate matter into the air, helping your home achieve better indoor air quality.
Learn More With CT-ENT
As the holiday season approaches and we gather at home for warmth and comfort, it's more important than ever to prioritize our health. However, while the crackling fireplace adds to the cozy ambiance, it can complicate matters when it comes to maintaining good indoor air quality.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to ensure better indoor air quality this holiday season. If you need more information on how you can keep your sinuses in tip-top shape, schedule an appointment with CT-ENT and let us help!
