Do Fireplaces Cause Allergies?
Fireplaces are a hidden gem and a unique pleasure that only a select few homeowners are able to take use of in their homes. It is hard to reproduce the warmth and comfort that they bring throughout the winter months, despite the fact that gas fireplaces and heating systems have done their best to attempt to do so. They offer a great deal of potential for fun and amusement to the user. If, on the other hand, fireplaces trigger allergic reactions in you, such as watery eyes, a runny nose, or sneezing, their appeal diminishes significantly. Are you suffering from allergies because of your fireplace?
Dangers to One’s Health When Using a Fireplace
Fireplaces that burn wood offer a number of benefits; yet, like with everything else, they also come with a number of potential drawbacks. Even while a solid, well-ventilated chimney with the appropriate liner and flue should prevent a significant amount of smoke from entering the home, there is still going to be a natural amount of smoke that flows out rather than up the chimney. Because of this, individuals who come from families with a history of lung illness should avoid using fireplaces that burn wood. Smoke collects microscopic particles, which can then enter your eyes or respiratory system if you are exposed to it; this may also contribute to the negative impact that it has on your health.
It is possible that you will experience side effects such as burning eyes or a runny nose, which are similar to the symptoms that you experience when you have allergies. But might it be something else entirely, like allergies?
Are There Any Connections Between Fireplaces and Allergies?
People who live in areas that have four distinct seasons, particularly in areas where the temperature can quickly change from very cold to very mild, tend to have the most difficulty with allergies. This is especially true in areas where there is a dramatic change in temperature from very cold to very mild.
Because they are likely to have the fireplace burning at the same time that they are noticing symptoms of allergies, it is confusing for some people to determine whether or not they can attribute it to their wood burning fireplace as they transition from winter to spring, and fall to winter, because they have the fireplace burning at the same time that they are noticing the symptoms of allergies. Do you think that it has more to do with the weather outside or the smoke that is produced by a fireplace?
There is no evidence from scientific study to suggest that fireplaces, especially ones that burn wood, are directly responsible for allergic reactions. However, they have the potential to aggravate allergies that are already brought on by the natural environment, and breathing in the microscopic particles that are produced when wood is burned poses further dangers to one’s health.
Particles of a Smaller Scale in Fireplaces
The more minute the particles that are produced by a fireplace, the more dangerous they are to your health. Why? Because they may go deeper into the lungs and even into the bloodstream, particles that are smaller pose a greater threat throughout the course of their lifetime. Particles with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers pose a significant threat to human health, particularly those that are referred to as “fine particles,” which are defined as anything with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers. Acrolein, formaldehyde, benzene, and methane are some of the other potentially toxic substances that can be found in wood smoke. According to leading allergists, each and every one of these small particles has the potential to have an effect on your lungs.
If you suspect that your chimney or fireplace is having some issues, have an expert inspect it. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today. We also offer Chimney Cleaning Pinole and other affordable services.