As the holidays near and the air becomes more frigid, families gather around fireplaces and wood-burning stoves seeking warm comfort. Unfortunately for many --- especially those who suffer from asthma and allergies -- the use of such heating devices can trigger health-related disasters in unexpected ways.

Dr. Leonard Bielory, director of the Asthma and Allergy Research Center at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School in Newark, says emergency room visits from asthma attacks quadruple following the fall's first frost. "There are particles and toxic agents emitted by burning wood that, when inhaled, may cause shortness of breath or wheezing and possibly a life-threatening asthma attack that may require emergency health care."

Wood Smoke Break Down

Wood smoke from fireplaces and wood-burning stoves contain fine particles and gases that can pose a serious health threat to you and your family. The smoke emitted from wood burning contains the following:

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  Fine Particles: These particles are so small that several thousand of them could fit on the period at the end of a sentence. They reach the deepest recesses of the lungs and accelerate hardening of the arteries, negatively affecting heart function.
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  Nitrogen Dioxide: This odorless gas that can irritate your eyes, nose and throat and cause shortness of breath. In people with asthma, exposure to low levels of NO2 may cause increased bronchial reactivity and make young children more susceptible to respiratory infections. Long-term exposure to high levels of NO2 can lead to chronic bronchitis.
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  Carbon Monoxide: This odorless, colorless, poisonous gas interferes with the delivery of oxygen throughout the body and may cause headaches, dizziness and, at higher concentrations, death. Those with cardiac and respiratory disease may be more sensitive to lower levels of this gas.
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  Toxic Compounds: These include such compounds as formaldehyde, benzene, methyl chloride and methyl ethyl ketone (a wide range of compounds that usually have no color, taste or smell.) Some cause direct and negative health effects by penetrating deep into the lungs.
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  Carbon Dioxide: This greenhouse gas contributes to global climate change.

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  Only use an EPA approved fireplace or wood-burning stove.
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  Don't allow those with respiratory conditions such as asthma or allergies to be exposed to a fireplace or wood-stove for too long.
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  Make certain there is adequate ventilation to offset any smoke that is emitted (open windows a crack if need be).
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  Avoid using a chemical accelerant, like lighter fluid, to ignite the fire.
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  Properly maintain your fireplace or wood stove.
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  Have your chimney cleaned annually to help prevent fumes from backing into the house.
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  Be certain the room is aired out and dust and vacuum the area thoroughly after it has been used.
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  Don't use a fireplace or wood-burning stove as the only source of heat.