Wood-burning fireplaces are becoming more popular. There's something romantic and relaxing about sitting near a fireplace, hearing the crackle of the wood, and gazing at the flickering flames. And with soaring fossil fuel prices, many people believe that it's less expensive to burn wood for heat during the winter. But research shows that central heating is typically the most efficient and cheapest way to heat. Many people also think that burning wood is better for the environment since wood is a renewable resource; however, according the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wood burning is not environmentally friendly. In fact, wood results in high levels of air pollution that can harm the environment and your health."The largest single source of outdoor fine particles entering into our homes in many American cities is our neighbor's fireplace or wood stove," says Dr. Wayne Ott of Stanford University. Wood smoke contains many of the same chemicals as cigarette smoke, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, hazardous metals, and known carcinogens such as formaldehyde, dioxin, benzene, and toluene.

Inhaling wood smoke appears to be just as dangerous - or even more dangerous - as inhaling tobacco smoke. An EPA study concluded that breathing wood smoke particles during high pollution days is equivalent to smoking 4 to 16 cigarettes. Medical studies have linked air pollution with lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, congenital heart defects, asthma, and even brain damage. People most at-risk for damage from air pollution include asthma sufferers, diabetics, those with congenital hearth failure, and children. Dr. Ramierez-Venegas of the UK explains, "Biomass [wood] smoke is composed of a relatively equal mixture of coarse and ultra-fine particles and can penetrate deeply into the lung, producing a variety of morphologic and biochemical changes." "Mammalian lungs don't have defenses against small particles," points out Joel Schwartz of the EPA. "Particulate pollution is the most important contaminant in our air... We know that when particle levels go up, people die."

Of course, it's best to avoid burning wood (for the benefit of your family, your neighbors, and the environment), but if you must, you can take steps to limit your exposure to the air pollution. diy air vent cleaningMake sure your fireplace is working properly with a sufficient draft. where to buy a wii lens cleaning kitTightly sealed doors in front of the fireplace block out much pollution. do air purifiers really help with cat allergiesDon't burn trash or treated wood, and make sure your wood has been split and dried for at least six months. Use small pieces of wood. Small, hot fires give off less pollution than smoldering fires. Many air purifiers are specifically designed to handle the air pollution from smoke.

Blueair air purifiers are available with SmokeStop Filters. The AllerAir 5000 DS air purifier is designed to absorb smoke, tar, fine ash, and other airborne particulates. Best in Class for MCS air purifiers, the IQAir Multigas air purifier removes a wide spectrum of gases and particulates and works exceptionally well in removing all types of smoke and odors. If you want to get rid of the odor from smoke, try the Gonzo Odor Eliminator. These rechargeable pouches absord odors in any environment. For more information about the medical hazards of wood smoke, visit Burning Issues, a non-profit research and educational organization. Affordable Air Purifier for Fireplace User? Q: Holiday coziness question: We just moved to Berkeley from NYC and it seems that everyone, including us, has a fireplace. Berkeley is not exactly the most environmentally friendly place I'm realizing, recycling less than SF and with all this firewood stacked outside their houses. We're having our family over for Christmas and we think that's going to be a great time to indulge in a fire.

However, the smell lingers forever and the particles are very unhealthy so I don't want to light up unless I have a good air purifier. The particles that the purifier need to be able to handle are very specific. Can you guys recommend an affordable one? Editor: Leave your suggestions for Sara in the comments - thanks! • Got a question? Email yours with pic attachments here (those with pics get answered first) Air Purifier for Smoke Removal from Wood Smoke may smell good, but it's not good for you. If you are healthy, you are not usually at major risk from smoke. Still, it's a good idea to avoid breathing smoke if you can help it. Health Effects of Wood Smoke Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic matter burn. The biggest health threat from smoke comes from fine particles (also called particulate matter or PM). These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system, where they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis.

Fine particles also can aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases—and are linked to premature deaths in people with these chronic conditions. Some people are more susceptible than others: If you have heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or asthma, you may experience health effects earlier and at lower smoke levels than healthy people. Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke, possibly because they are more likely to have chronic heart or lung diseases than younger people. Children also are more susceptible to smoke for several reasons their respiratory systems are still developing; they breathe more air (and air pollution) per pound of body weight than adults; and they're more likely to be active outdoors. How to tell if smoke is affecting you: Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, headaches, stinging eyes, or a runny nose.