Wood Smoke

For many Minnesotans, burning wood to heat their home is a time-honored tradition and a way to save on heating bills. For others, the aroma of wood smoke may conjure up a romantic or nostalgic ambience. But wood smoke is not healthy to breathe.

Wood smoke contains toxic chemicals and harmful microscopic particles. 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.  Health risks are higher among susceptible populations, including young children, older adults and people with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.  Indoor and outdoor exposures to pollution emitted from these appliances can pose a threat to the appliance owners and their neighbors.

The appliance you use, how it’s installed and maintained, and the moisture content of wood you burn all make a difference to the heating efficiency and the amount of harmful pollution emitted. For those who choose to burn, switching to cleaner burning appliances can reduce the pollution and related health risks.

The following information provides steps that wood-burning appliance owners, their neighbors and communities can take to protect their health and improve Minnesota's air quality.

• health effects of wood smoke
• wood burning best practices
• cleaner-burning appliances
• wood smoke problems and complaints
• burn barrels and backyard garbage burning - risks, information, and resources

MPCA staff can provide further information about wood stove emissions, and other technical assistance if needed. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   at 651-757-2432.