Wood Burning Fireplaces Causing Asthma Atttacks

As we are heading into winter, Hubby decided it was time to use the fireplace. 

 He likes the cozy feel of a fireplace. It has been an ongoing "discussion" between us. We have a historic  home, and as soon as we signed our names on the dotted line, EVERYTHING started to leak, short out, flood, break, etc. 

We had so many ongoing problems that I refused to let Hubby use the fireplace until he had it inspected. With our luck, I was sure that if we used it, our house would burn down. We've had so many strange things happen with our house, it actually wouldn't surprise me....

So, 10 years later, he finally paid to have an inspector come and check out the fireplace and chimney. It was actually in good shape! 

So, he lit a fire. And I waited. I was a little concerned because our 3 teenagers and I all have asthma. 

 

All night, my chest was tight. And I was coughing. And had that "twitchy" feeling in my throat. And

 I had to use my inhaler. 

The next morning, our living room still smelled a little smoky. It may have been from the left over ash. Hubby wanted to make sure it had cooled down before he put the ashes outside.

So, now what? I wanted to know if it was just me, or if there is a problem with fireplaces and asthma? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a page about fireplaces and asthma. Here is a quote from their website:

"Smoke from wood-burning stoves and fireplaces contain a mixture of harmful gases and small particles. Breathing these small particles can cause asthma attacks and severe bronchitis, aggravate heart and lung disease and may increase the likelihood of respiratory illnesses. If you're using a wood stove or fireplace and smell smoke in your home, it probably isn't working as it should."

So much for using our wood burning fireplace.

 I know that a roaring fire can seem cozy and it makes you just want to curl up and read a good book. But, if you can't breathe while you are reading....what's the point?

Check out the EPA's website and see what's best for you and your family. 

 

For now, I think I will just finish decorating our mantel and skip using the fireplace. 

 

At least it will look good, right?!