Flame is Too Low or High. Pollutants in wood smoke can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, as well as headaches, nausea and bronchitis in some people. Can you make a wood fire in a gas fireplace? When using a gas heater, be aware of how to use it safely. Electric fireplaces are a sure bet for those with health problems because no fire, smoke, venting, or chimney is necessary. Can a fireplace cause sinus problems? Clean your heater (when the heater is off and cool) to reduce dust build-up by vacuuming out any duct registers and cold air return vents (the register is the central heating duct opening in each room, which can be seen when the cover grill is lifted). Do not try to fix the problem yourself leave that to the professionals! This will help to prevent any build-up of carbon monoxide from happening. Is it OK to leave fireplace on overnight? It may be frightening to imagine breathing in these dangerous materials, since they can contribute to colds during the winter months and the flaring up of allergies in the spring and summer. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Most sinus infections start with a cold. Learning how to fight the silent toxins lurking in the air, carpets, upholstery and other places will result in healthier sinuses. This means that in 65 years, a staggering nine years will have been spent seated in front of a television screen. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Have your fireplace serviced regularly to ensure that all of the parts are in good working order. The devices alert for elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the air if it is the result of toxic gases or air quality issues. PROPEL Sinus Stent Improving Sinus Surgery Outcomes. Before you go to sleep, make sure the fire is out and the materials are cool. If you are active outdoors, pay attention to symptoms. Never dispose of rubbish such as tissues, cotton buds or other things in a gas fire this can affect combustion and produce dangerous pollutants. Exercising outdoors in the fresh air is also preferable to exercising inside or at the gym. In todays modern culture, televisions, laptops and tablets make it easy to slip into a passive, sedentary lifestyle. From using the right wood to newer inserts, get tips for minimizing your risk. The excess heat can also cause the hearth floor to crack. Otherwise, all that heat will escape right up the chimney! If you have an open-flued gas heater, limit how much you use it and consider safe alternative forms of heating. As the fire dies down, the glass doors should be closed so that the room air doesnt go up the chimney. How to Vent a Gas Fireplace Without a Chimney? Despite the fact that gas fireplaces are far safer than wood fireplaces, owners should still take precautions. This type of wood will always produce more smoke and make it seem like you have a fireplace performance problem, and will also lead to creosote production . Anyone may experience burning eyes, a runny nose, cough, phlegm, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Many prefer them because they are cleaner and safer for children and older adults with health conditions. . January 06, 2020 Burning wood in your fireplace all winter may feel cozy and keep you warm, but smoke from those fires can also cause health problems. Blue flames on gas appliances are not as bright as yellow flames. Sinuses can become inflamed and painful when infected by a virus or bacteria or during allergy season. The result may be discomfort in the sinus or middle ear during the plane's ascent or descent. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Enter your box content here. Be sure to follow all of the manufacturers instructions when using your fireplace. A faulty gas heater can cause serious health problems. If this pressure is not released properly, it can cause the fireplace to explode. Here are some steps you can take to protect your health: If you have heart, vascular or lung disease, including asthma, talk with your health care provider. Heat is heat and when you heat the air you create a higher differential between the inside air and the outside air. Some people have problems with the smell of burning gas. Other wood smoke pollutants (1 pg., 650KB,about PDF)They are sold at many hardware and home repair stores and online. Never use a cabinet heater. We have recognized a glitch in our appointment software. Be sure to also visit a local general nutrition store and find a multivitamin thats right for you in addition to a zinc or iron pill if you are a woman. Make sure your wood has been split and stored for at least 6 months. It doesn't have anything to do with your nasal . Pilot light is out: If your gas fireplaces pilot light goes out, you should not try to relight it yourself. This could be a sign of a serious problem with the unit and you should call a professional to have it inspected. When selecting installation locations, make sure the alarm is audible from all sleeping areas. If the goal is to have a realistic looking fireplace, gas is the better choice. Wood fireplaces can provide a pleasing aroma and other pleasing characteristics for your home, but they can pose significant safety risks. Carbon monoxide detectors arent designed to detect gas. They must also provide the renter with the date of the most recent safety check, in writing, on the request of the renter. First off, take a quick peek at your thermostat. Never use or store solvents, aerosols or pressure pack cans near a gas heater even if the heater is turned off, the pilot light may still be on. Get your heating ducts cleaned, and make sure to be away from home for several hours after the cleaning. Excess heat in gas fireplaces is very dangerous because it can cause cracking of the gas logs and mantel. While not everyone has the same sensitivity to wildfire smoke, its still a good idea to avoid breathing smoke if you can help it. That just puts more pollution in your home. They do not emit as much exhaust as wood-burning fireplaces and might even be safer than vented gas fireplaces. Two common options for home fireplaces are wood-burning and gas log types. Gas heaters need to be professionally installed and serviced by a trained and qualified gasfitter. Learn more about smoke and health: Wildfire Smoke, A Guide for Public Health Officials, For information about home air cleaners: Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home, For a list of certified air cleaning devices:California Certified Air Cleaning Devices, Learn the right way to use an N-95 or P-100 particulate respirator mask:Protect Your Lungs from Wildfire Smoke, What to do before, during, and after a wildfire:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wildfire Page. Fireplace Burner. Note: Dont use an air cleaner thatgenerates ozone. Consider replacing open-flued gas heaters with room-sealed gas heaters or split systems at the next opportunity. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Clean and Irrigate Your Sinuses. But a wood-burning fire in your fireplace can cause health problems, especially if you or a family member has a history oflung disease. If you have a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if they are safe. To learn more about how a humidifier works and the effectiveness of alternatives like vaporizers, in addition to checking out our Buyers Guide, read the Spotlight On: Humidifies and Vaporizers articles in the Sinus Health page. July 11, 2005 -- Mexican researchers say wood smoke may cause lung cancer in nonsmokers. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Nitrogen Dioxide: This odorless gas that can irritate your eyes, nose and throat and cause shortness of breath. Only your doctor can advise you about your specific health situation. But the good news is that most gas fireplaces have internal controls that shut down in case of excess heat. A ventless fireplace runs on natural gas, including butane or propane, and does not produce the harmful emissions that require a wood-burning fireplace to have a suitable ventilation system. If you are experiencing symptoms of sinusitis such as headache, postnasal drip or a discolored nasal discharge, congestion, coughing, fever and fatigue for longer than 10 days, schedule an appointment today! Many people enjoy the warmth and ambiance that a fireplace provides during chilly days and nights. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Be advised by your licensed gasfitter. In an emergency, always call triple zero (000), Emergency department of your nearest hospital. If you allow a gas fireplace to stay on for more than three hours at a time, you should lose your job. Most people think of their gas fireplace as being a safe and reliable way to heat their home. Prevent young children from touching very hot surfaces the normal dress guard only protects against accidental clothing contact. Can a ventless gas fireplace make you sick? Environmental irritants - such as smoke, chemicals, or perfume. Why do I get a sinus infection every time the weather changes? Nasal congestion is most likely to occur with upper respiratory conditions. How Do I Know If My Gas Fireplace is Safe? You can lose balance, vision, and memory. The main agent that causes headaches is carbon monoxide. Both types of fireplaces provide heat, and many gas log fireplaces closely resemble a real fire. Our sinuses are filled with air, and the pressure in those sinuses is no longer at equilibrium with the pressure outside of the body when the barometric pressure changes. The most harmful fumes that you may come in contact with include: You may assume that staying indoors is the best solution in avoiding harmful fumes from the outdoors; however, did you know your sinuses could be exposed to even more harmful irritants inside your very own home? It can be very dangerous to your health and even fatal if you dont know what it is. The gas is generally a combination of swallowed air and gas produced by the action of colon . Strange smells: If you smell something strange coming from your gas fireplace, it could be a sign of a gas leak. 3. It can cause a wide range of health problems. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide which is the safest for your home. Unflued gas heaters draw air from within the room and emit combustion products back into the same space where the heater is located which can lead to serious health problems including death. In these cases, seek alternative shelter, such as with relatives or a cleaner air shelter. If you must leave the room for any reason, extinguish the fire first. They work at Mexico's Instituto Nacional . There are black stains on the walls around the fires and on the gas fires. This explains why a dry house can cause sinus problems. This common gas fireplace problem can be a source of panic for homeowners - the combination of a gas appliance and a strange odor can be terrifying! Burning gas can reduce the amount of oxygen in the house. The Standing Pilot Went Out Sometimes, a strong draft will blow out the pilot, and you have to relight it. Heaters do not last forever. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Discuss when to leave the area, how much medicine to have on hand, and your asthma action plan if you have asthma. Both propane and natural gas are clean burning gas fuels, so they dont produce the same things as wood, but they can still produce things that need to be cleaned. Never use an industrial-type heater in a domestic situation. Many opt to get gas log fireplaces in their efforts to avoid allergy symptoms, but gas logs can also trigger symptoms. Theres no doubt about it, the winter months can seem like they are never ending, especially with daylight savings time and the sometimes severe weather. Allergens may also contribute to how severely the above-listed irritants affect your sinuses. It does not store any personal data. For people who suffer from allergy and asthma symptoms, gas logs can be a good alternative. This web site is managed and authorised by the Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia Copyright State of Victoria 2021. Dust masks aren't enough!Paper dust masks or surgical masks will not protect your lungs from the fine particles in wildfire smoke. 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