The wood-burning fireplace is the centerpiece of family gatherings, friendly get-togethers and a staple icon in the American home. Unfortunately, the fireplace is one of the most inefficient heat sources found in a home. Fires also produce particulates, which are small particles that can have negative health impacts including asthma and cancer. Also, the hot air that a fire generates is quickly lost through your chimney, leaving little heat to show for the blazing logs in your fireplace.

Consider cleaner-burning alternatives to the traditional fireplace. Natural gas fireplaces use controllable gas burners to create a fire, producing efficient combustion and less dangerous particulates in the air. Gas, however, is still a non-renewable fossil fuel, making this option less than ideal. Pellet stoves use cylinders of compressed sawdust to fuel fire in an enclosed combustion chamber, producing less air pollution. If you are still set on having a wood-burning fireplace, look for EPA-certified wood stoves and clean burning inserts instead of traditional fodder.

Health Benefits

* Did you know that wood stoves are the second highest source of cancer risk from particulate air emissions (after diesel exhaust)?

EPA researchers suggest that the cancer risk an individual acquires from wood stove emissions over a lifetime may be greater than lifetime cancer risk from exposure to cigarette smoke.

* Did you know that EPA-certified stoves release 70% to 90% less particulates than conventional stoves?

According to a 2000 study by the State of Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, using a pellet stove, certified wood stove or natural gas unit can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful particulates and air pollutants.

Environmental Benefits

* Did you know that wood smoke can still enter homes that don’t have wood stoves?

According to a University of Washington study in Seattle, homes without wood stoves showed at least 50% to 70% of wood smoke particulates in outdoor levels. Be nice to your neighbors!