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Saint Paul, Minn. -- Fall signals the end of the risk for ozone air alerts in Minnesota, but air alerts from elevated levels of microscopic fine particles found in wood smoke, emissions from vehicles, industry and power plants can occur at any time of the year. As temperatures plummet, many Minnesotans can't wait to use their fireplaces and wood stoves. Others with respiratory or heart problems cringe at even the smell of wood smoke -- and for good reason. Wood smoke is full of harmful fine particles that can irritate eyes and throat, and trigger respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) want to remind citizens of the health dangers from wood smoke especially from fireplaces, older wood stoves and "backyard" boilers. These appliances pose the greatest threat to owners, but can also affect neighbors.
Burning wood adds harmful fine particles and toxics to the air. "The fine particles in wood smoke can trigger asthma attacks in a manner similar to diesel exhaust or secondhand cigarette smoke," said Laura Oatman, environmental research scientist from the MDH. At 2.5 microns in diameter and smaller, 35 to 100 fine particles could fit across the diameter of a human hair. Some of the smallest fine particles can go deep into the lungs and can even pass through the lungs into the bloodstream. They can trigger problems for anyone with asthma, respiratory problems and heart ailments, and are considered especially dangerous for children with developing lungs. Smoke from backyard recreational fires can trigger the same health problems and may spread indoors to neighboring homes through intake vents or windows.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says the average fireplace creates 3,000 times more fine particles than a natural gas furnace. Even an EPA-certified wood stove creates 168 times more fine particles than a natural gas furnace. Some people who don't own wood stoves are enticed by thoughts of combating rising natural gas prices. However, Vince Chavez from the Minnesota Department of Commerce and Energy says that "conservatively, residential natural gas prices for the upcoming heating season should be 15-20 percent less than last year." If your goal is to save money on heating -- adding insulation, sealing air leaks, upgrading your furnace, windows or doors may save more money in the long run than adding a wood stove which could easily cost $1,500-$2,500 with installation.
The MPCA strongly encourages those who do burn wood to be a good neighbor by building only small hot fires with dry, seasoned hardwoods. It's important to properly maintain your stove and chimney. Never burn green wood, plastics, garbage, colored newsprint or treated wood, and always be considerate of family members and neighbors who may have lung or heart problems. For more information, visit the following wood stove and wood-smoke-related Web sites:
- Wood Smoke (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency - MPCA)
- Air Quality Index (MPCA)
- Air Quality - Particles and Your Health (Minnesota Department of Health)
