Electric fireplaces are a sure bet for those with health problems because no fire, smoke, venting, or chimney is necessary. Watch for any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in yourself or your family members. Bananas. The flame on your gas fireplace should be about 12 inches high. 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. Hi Colleen; Yes it is but it is being taken under my Dr.'s supervision out at the Mayo Clinic in MN. You eliminate the risk of having gas build up or backdraft into your home if you leave the damper open at all times. When using a gas heater, be aware of how to use it safely. Some may even get into the bloodstream.. Fine particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream if they are in the air. Never use an industrial-type heater in a domestic situation. Exposure to wood-burning smoke can cause asthma attacks and bronchitis and also can aggravate heart and lung disease.. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. If there is a lot of carbon monoxide in the air, this can happen within two hours. Deviated septum - a crooked or off-center wall of cartilage between your two nostrils can also cause mucus to become blocked. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind in order to prevent any accidents. My PC keeps telling me it is allergies. In people with asthma, exposure to low levels of NO2 may cause increased bronchial reactivity and make young children more susceptible to respiratory infections. Consider buying an audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. The answer is yes and no. Check to see if the exhaust vent on your gas fire is clear. Here are the top four things to remember: 1. Running a standard-sized gas fireplace will cost about $0.22/hour at 100% heating output if you use natural gas. Those manufactured after 1992 are significantly cleaner-burning than older models because of federal air quality regulations that went into effect at that time, according to theEPA. 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. The gas is comprised of radioactive particles that, when breathed in, damage the cells lining your lungs. If the goal is to have a realistic looking fireplace, gas is the better choice. As the fire dies down, the glass doors should be closed so that the room air doesnt go up the chimney. Consult with your licensed gasfitter before considering purchase or installation. The most common indoor sinus irritants include: Air containing these elements can be harmful to your sinuses, especially if the air itself is dry. Keep your windows and doors closed - unless it's extremely hot outside. Check your Thermostat Setting. As smoke gets worse, the concentration of particles in the air increases - and so should the steps you take to protect yourself. Small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest health problems because they can get deep into the lungs, says Dr. Cain. While wood fires are beautiful and cozy, theyre also pretty toxic. Old unflued gas heaters within the home may not meet current emission standards. Sinus congestion is often caused by acid and pepsin getting into the sinuses which leads to inflammation and irritation which makes the sinuses feel congested and generally irritated. Do I need to open the damper on a gas fireplace? Now I will delve deeper into how it all happens and what you can do it help prevent it from happening. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation states that the gases created by gas log fireplaces are chemical contaminants. Prepare for fire season if you live in a fire-prone area. Should I keep the glass doors closed on my gas fireplace? Top 5 Causes of Sinus Pain. A sinus infection can cause mucus and fluid to back up in the throat, which may make the throat itch or feel full. Is it OK to leave fireplace on overnight? If you are experiencing concerning symptoms that do not improve over time, seek the advice of your doctor. The smell of the logs isnt as strong because they dont have a chimney or vent to remove fumes from the fire. High concentrations of smoke can trigger a range of symptoms. Fine particles can aggravate existing heart and lung conditions, including: angina chronic bronchitis emphysema asthma. It humidifies the house; it doesn't dry it out. 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. Exposure to this gas can cause a number of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Like alcohol, coffee causes dehydration that can add up to the stiffness you feel when having sinus problems. Keep the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. Carbon monoxide poisoning wont be stopped if a window is opened. Be sure to open the flue before lighting a fire in a gas fireplace. This is because of the dangerous fumes that are produced during the combustion of fossil fuel. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Do not try to fix the problem yourself leave that to the professionals! Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Installation of carbon monoxide detectors and sitting away from the fireplace are ways to reduce the risk. 3. 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! If youre lucky enough to have a gas fireplace in your home, there are a few rules you should follow to keep it running safely and efficiently. If you have heart or lung disease, smoke may make your symptoms worse. According to Do It Yourself, there is no smoke or soot with a natural gas fireplace, so allergy sufferers can breathe easier, according to The Mayo Clinic. Be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure and seek medical attention if necessary. There is a lot of condensation at the window. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Ventless gas fireplaces are highly beneficial and also cost less than traditional furnaces and heaters. Some people have problems with the smell of burning gas. Exposure to this gas can cause a number of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. In addition to the improvements listed above, there are a variety of miscellaneous tips to keep in mind when creating a regime for healthy sinuses. Can a ventless gas fireplace make you sick? This page has been produced in consultation with and approved Step 4 - Get Gas. When the cord is plugged straight into the wall, without the adapter, the fireplace can be turned on manually with the switch on the unit itself. If you know someone in this situation, consider checking on them and seeing what you might be able to do to help. With all the family visits, planning for parties and gift shopping 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. This will help contain any sparks and embers that might pop out of the fire. Use common sense to guide your activities.Even if you dont have a monitor in your area, if it looks or smells smoky outside, it's probably not a good time to mow the lawn or go for a run. These types of logs don't have a chimney or vent to remove the fumes produced by the fire, so the smell is typically stronger. A barometric shift can cause your nose to swell. If you have an old open-flued gas heater, consider safe alternative heating or replacing with a room-sealed gas heater or split system at the next opportunity. Carbon monoxide detectors arent designed to detect gas. How Do I Know If My Gas Fireplace is Safe? If you do find a gas heating specialist online, make sure that they are a licensed gasfitter endorsed for gas appliance servicing. "People who smoke may be at higher. Amrita Khokhar, MD. If these newer appliances are properly installed, well-maintained and used correctly, they can reduce outdoor and indoor air pollution resulting from burning wood and consequently, help reduce risks to your health. The greater the temperature difference the drier the. The wood you burn in your fireplace should have a moisture content of about 10-20%. This could be a sign of a serious problem with the unit and you should call a professional to have it inspected. Gas heaters need to be professionally installed and serviced by a trained and qualified gasfitter. This can cause dangerous chimney fires. Finally, we tend to seal up our homes as much as possible in the colder months, so the nasty junk blowing out of our heating vents is simply recirculated instead of dispersing. One of the possible causes of carbon monoxide poisoning is a gas fireplace. If they are registered and licensed, they will have a photo ID card that states what kinds of work they are allowed to do. There is smoke in the room. That just puts more pollution in your home. Never use or store a gas cylinder indoors. CO alarm manufacturers suggest installing CO alarms in or near to every room that has a gas heating appliance. Bananas are rich in carbohydrates but when having sinus problems, it is better to avoid this fruit; it can exacerbate the symptoms of sinusitis because it can cause inflammation. Make sure it is in the on position. Replace any unflued heaters that are more than 10 years old, or if you feel that your health is being affected by them. Cooking - especially frying and broiling - can add to indoor pollution levels. Cutting-edge Treatments for Ear Nose, Throat, and Allergy. Avoiding the pitfalls of TV entertainment addiction will help keep your sinuses healthy which can give you an overall healthy lifestyle. Can my fireplace make me sick? Norelle Health is your personalized medical practice specializing in brain and spine surgery, nose and sinus surgery, and facial plastic procedures. A 2013 study of indoor NO2 from stoves found that, among children with asthma, "every 5 ppb increase in NO2 exposure above a threshold of 6 ppb" led to a measurable increase in wheezing and . Be careful when drying clothes inside keep all flammable materials at least one metre away from the heater. When the weather outside turns colder, there's nothing cozier than a warm, crackling fire in your fireplace and a steaming cup of tea in your hands. Instead of a fireplace screen, make sure your fireplace has a tight-fitting door. The answer to "Can you burn wood in a gas fireplace?" is a resounding NO! What states have banned ventless gas fireplaces? Sinuses are passages that connect your nose, cheeks, forehead, and jaw with the nasal passage. Although the image of a log fire is often associated with the holidays, romance and cozy nights inside protected from the cold are a threat to lung and heart health. The cardiovascular problems caused by levothyroxine can be especially dangerous, even fatal. Why do I get a sinus infection every time the weather changes? If you are not using your gas heater, consider safe alternative ways of keeping warm, as cold temperatures may also cause health problems, particularly for young children, older people and those with chronic illnesses. Even healthy people may experience temporary symptoms from exposure to elevated levels of particle pollution that a wood fire creates.. If you receive conflicting scheduling information please contact us at 610-415-1100. Nasal irrigation is an easy way to help prevent and treat sinus problems, according to . When these cavities fill up, your sinuses feel the pressure of the added fluid and tend to feel uncomfortable. Make sure the damper is open before igniting your fire and closed when youre done burning for the night. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. If it doesn't, check the thermostat wiring. Electric units dont work with gas fireplaces because they have real flames. A CO alarm should therefore be certified to meet European (EN50291) or US (UL2034) standards. Wood fires release tiny particles that get into the lungs and can harm people with underlying health conditions. I return to Mayo every 3 months for a "Scope" and next due for one the beginning of May. Humidifiers are the most effective during during the winter months. green or . Dr. Bennett recommends that his patients educate themselves about the exact environmental causes that contribute to sinus problems, and to follow special tips on how to minimize and eradicate nasal congestion, sinus pressure and sinus pain. Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Bloating refers to a sense of fullness in the upper abdomen. 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