There is no such thing as healthy smoke

This is the time of the year when we fire up those cosy woodstoves or put the fireplace back into action.

But before falling back in love with the scene, consider the impact that wood burning has on air quality both in our homes and in our neighbourhoods.

The tendency is to consider wood smoke somehow ‘natural’ and more ‘innocent’ than other pollutants. The truth is that the components of wood and cigarette smoke are quite similar; and they both present health risks.

What is particulate matter?

The main pollutants in wood smoke are fine particles called particulate matter (PM), gases, including carbon monoxide and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The main pollutants in wood smoke are fine particles called particulate matter (PM), gases, including carbon monoxide and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

All have significant effects on health and breathing.

What are the heath risks of wood smoke?

Particulate matters consists of miniscule solid or liquid particles which, because of their size, are able to travel deep into the lungs where they remain for months, irritating bronchial tubes and causing structural damage.

Wood smoke’s carcinogenic chemicals adhere to these tiny particles.

Particulate matter contributes to smog, especially when it builds up in a low area like a valley or during a thermal inversion.

Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless gas that is poisonous at high levels. It affects the ability of your blood to deliver oxygen. VOCs include a wide range of compounds, some of which cause direct health effects while others contribute to smog.

Exposure to the pollutants in wood smoke can lead to irritation in the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, nausea and dizziness.

The smoke can also make asthma worse and has been associated with an increase in respiratory problems. Smog, to which wood smoke can be a significant contributor, has also been linked to severe health risks.

How can I minimize health risks to my family?

If you use a wood stove or fireplace in your home, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of health effects for your family and neighbours.

1. First is to replace any wood burning appliance that was purchased before 1995 when BC began to certify wood-burning appliances for emissions. Today’s stoves burn more efficiently, cost less to run and reduce pollution, too.
2. Burning hardwoods instead of soft gives better results. Use seasoned wood — it’s been cut, split and stored covered for at least six months.
3. Never burn pressure or chemically-treated wood. When starting your fire, use newspaper or kindling instead of accelerants like gas or charcoal.
4. You can reduce pollution by putting out the fire overnight instead of letting coals smoulder and causing unnecessary pollution.
5. And finally, protect your family by installing at least one carbon-monoxide detector.

Large urban areas have their own sources of air pollution and smog, but smaller, more rural communities are home to plenty of their own air pollution problems. Be smart about your burning.

Submitted by Dr. Paul Martiquet, Medical Health Officer for Rural Vancouver Coastal Health including Powell River, the Sunshine Coast, Sea-to-Sky, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.