But that doesn't mean they can't be accounted for. And there are fair concerns to address their safety. Exposure to wood smoke, even from a neighbor's fireplace, can also cause burning eyes, headache, sore throat, excess phlegm, tightness in the chest and sinus problems. Experts recommend two types of filtration: For a single room, look for an air cleaner with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. In particular, if your planned space already has excessive moisture, a vent free appliance will cause problems. As a result, an unvented gas fireplace won't create quite the same illusion as a vented one. For CO, it sets a limit of 15 ppm/hr over 8 hours and 25 ppm/hr over a 1 hour period. The hearth industry can only exist by observing the most current safety regulations. Especially if it's a gas-lit fireplace versus a wood burning fireplace, they will definitely cause some heat loss because everything's vented through the chimney. As for our particles, it's the ultra fine ones that may be of interest. This can cause dangerous chimney fires. Clinics in chest medicine, 23(4), 717-725.Klimek, L., Hundorf, I., Delank, K., & Hrmann, K. (2002). It can make for read more To request an appointment at NYOG by email, please give us your contact information in the form below and we will get back to you shortly with available dates. Most are benign. What's not though, is the margin for human error. Vent free heating appliances may be one of the more novel hearth inventions. One of the most often overlooked indoor pollution sources is candles. 47. Make sure that your chimney is in good condition and is able to ventilate the gases properly. 3. Heated creosote is a common offender. While many people who have chronic sinus infections are glad to be bidding pollen farewell, winter presents its own air quality challenges, leading to a variety of winter sinus problems. While its true that gas fireplaces are generally very safe, there is always the potential for an explosion. People began to have serious concerns about what they were breathing and whether it was contributing to respiratory issues. This might be an advantage to those with small children or pets, but it could also be considered a negative by other people. When we think about the risk of walking down the street, it's usually as a joke or in reference to small children. Avoid airborne inhalants such as tobacco smoke, smoke from a fireplace, hairspray, etc. 44. High levels of carbon monoxide in the air are very dangerous and may cause people to pass out or even die. Burning wood in your fireplace all winter may feel cozy and keep you warm, but smoke from those fires can also cause health problems. While exposure to low levels of natural gas is not harmful, long-term exposure can affect your health. can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems. A home in disrepair isn't an attractive one. Gas fireplaces, gas stoves and inserts all use sealed combustion technology, which means all combustion air comes from the outside. These zones are used to set standards for energy-smart insulation and healthy air exchanges per hour. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Do gas fireplaces cause breathing problems? The biggest contributor to skin cancer? That smell when you turn on a heater the first time for the season? Can fireplace smoke cause sinus infection? Current allergy and asthma reports, 14(4), 425.Balkissoon, R. (2002). Likewise, fumes from building projects and strong chemicals with irritating scents (such as formaldehyde) could also cause problems with the sinuses. When he's not studying for his MHP (Master Hearth Professional) or ECBA (Business Analyst) certifications, you can find him reading to his two toddler nieces or making a mess in the kitchen tweaking his recipe for pepper steak. Others are the result of manufacturing or fabrication processes. Among these particles are fine particles, which are smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, and these fine particles can affect your lungs. But sources of lightning strikes, campfires, barbecues, welding, metalworking, natural oxidizing processes in the atmosphere, electric heating all of these things produce some of the same irritants. Ventless fireplaces may also aggravate existing respiratory issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, or allergies. It is the perfect place for them since its warm and humid inside a ventless fireplace which sustains their growth. We mentioned before that there aren't applicable safety standards for many VOCs and particles. The air around us is imperfect. There's a host of other household appliances, too, that produce the substances we're looking at. But, the general guideline requires 50 cubic feet of room space for every 1,000 BTUs of fuel the appliance consumes per hour. Does a gas fireplace take oxygen out of the air? Please remove adblock to help us create the best medical content found on the Internet. The throat is the opening immediately above the fire; it usually narrows to a few inches in width just below the damper, a door that can be closed when the furnace or fireplace is not in use. Infections in your respiratory tract most commonly colds can inflame and thicken your sinus membranes and block mucus drainage. Always use glass doors when burning your fire. But, not only do we spend time outdoors, but the outdoor air is ultimately what makes it into our homes. The concern over it, then, is about what happens when you don't get enough of it. What is the purpose of glass doors on a gas fireplace? You can't see it or taste it, which is why it's called the silent killer. Just as critical as the air supply is the cleanliness of the installed space. If you see any of these danger signs, its important to contact a professional immediately to have your fireplace inspected. So, what users see may be much higher than a room's current level. Once airborne, they'll interfere with combustion, produce more soot, and spread throughout the home. Yes, gas fireplaces are one potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. When burned completely, mercaptan produces sulfur dioxide. Collectively, they're called NOx. What are the dangers of a ventless fireplace? Do you need a carbon monoxide detector with a gas fireplace? The swelling blocks the sinus openings and does not allow mucus to drain properly, leading to facial pain and other symptoms of sinusitis. These chemicals can trigger respiratory problems, depression, and decrease the quality of your health. 38. A crooked septum the wall between the nostrils may restrict or block sinus passages, making the symptoms of sinusitis worse. How do you keep your house warm with a gas fireplace? Each fuel type contains a tiny amount of a form of either ethyl or methyl mercaptan. Let's look at where these imperfections might come from. How do you keep your house warm with a gas fireplace? But dust mites, pet dander and even cockroaches can cause problems indoors. Another concern people have is, "Are they dangerous?". The effects of air pollutants and irritants on the upper airway. There's no doubt that some locations have better air quality than others. As the weather changes, its not read more Spring has arrived, which means its time for brighter days, warmer weather, and blooming flowers. 15. But that's only about 21% of normal air. 40. Not only does the fresh air supply ventilate, but it also ensures enough oxygen to guarantee complete combustion. It's reasonable to expect any VOCs from vent frees, then, to be the same as for any other piece of household furniture or appliance. An open window can help to vent the gas, and this is especially important in newer homes that were likely built with airtight construction techniques. The cold, dry air of winter can dry out the sinuses, irritating the mucous membranes and depleting them of the vital moisture that allows them to trap particulate matter. Related: How to Vent a Gas Fireplace Without a Chimney? High levels of carbon monoxide in the air are very dangerous and may cause people to pass out or even die. People began to have serious concerns about what they were breathing and whether it was contributing to respiratory issues. Some bemoaned soot deposits in their homes, condensation on windows, and mold growth. While wood fires are beautiful and cozy, theyre also pretty toxic. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider. The water vapor created in the combustion of fuel gases affects both. The main concern with gas fireplace fumes is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Why does my fireplace give me a headache? But the truth is that sources of air impurities are all around us. Exposure compromises the immune system and increases the risk for asthma attacks, waking with shortness of breath and tingling sensations in the extremities. Asthma can make things even worse, as can a mold allergy. Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis is a form of sinusitis that usually occurs in an occupational environment. We mentioned gas cooking ranges and stoves make combustion byproducts. These pollutants can also irritate your airways. If you smell gas near your fireplace, this is also a cause for concern. Pilot light is out: If your gas fireplaces pilot light goes out, you should not try to relight it yourself. Ventless fireplaces may also aggravate existing respiratory issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, or allergies. Vent-free hearth appliances rely on burning fuel gases nearly completely. Many people have reported physical symptoms from using unvented fireplaces in their homes, such as headaches, eye irritation, chest congestion and coughing spells. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you do choose to run your gas fireplace all day. This is a very safe and popular option for many. Our website is full of reviews and information from reliable sources to help you choose the best equipment. This is a very safe and popular option for many. Daniel Sheibley, MD : If you've been having chronic sinus problems, perhaps it is time to see an ear-nose-throat doctor and dedicated Sinus CT to see if you have any abnormalities of the sinuses that makes you more prone to this chronic problem. Burning gas can deplete the oxygen in your home you should crack open a window to replace the oxygen in your room. Upper airway irritation, odor perception and health risk due to airborne chemicals. 3. What health problems does natural gas cause? Natural gas pollutants can induce or worsen allergy, asthma and chemical sensitivity. Our lungs have natural defenses against normal amounts of particles. While gas fireplaces don't produce creosote, they do still need annual cleaning. International archives of occupational and environmental health, 75(5), 291-297. Is it OK to sleep with a gas fireplace on? Problems with mucus drainage may also occur if airborne allergens in the air are inhaled into the sinus through the nasal cavities. Other medical conditions. It feels harsh to condemn them for sure. This can cause serious respiratory illnesses in So, too much water vapor can promote its growth in corners and other hidden spaces. They recommend only using appliances listed to the ANSI Z21.11.2 standard. Deviated nasal septum. How do I stop cold air from coming through my gas fireplace? Let's look at what the industry intends for them. As clever as we are, humans have identified many of the polluting flies in our soup. The odor is a byproduct of the combustion process. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that gas fireplaces cause sinus problems. Potential risks are apparently part of everyday life. Digging deeper, we find that the concerns about vent-free hearth appliances boil down to a) concerns about indoor air quality and b) concerns about property damage. Have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned every year by a certified professional to make sure there are no gaps, cracks or unwanted drafts and to remove any dangerous creosote buildup. Vent-free combustion again. But we know the food and the heated cooking vessel both release them. 11. Burn dry wood that has been split, covered and stored for at least six months. No, this would not cause sinus problems. And every time fat drips or flares up, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) rise up and deposit on our food. Never leave a gas fireplace unattended. Among those are carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. 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