Wood flames harmful to elderly and children, research warns

Tiny particles produced by wood burners triple the level of harmful particles inside a room. According to scientists, elderly people and children should be advised not to sit in rooms filled with particles emitted by burners.

The tiny particles are linked to numerous health damages particularly to people whose immune systems are compromised. Younger and older people normally have weak immune system and the particles can result to long-term health complications when inhaled.

According to the Guardian, the research was conducted in 19 homes located in Sheffield in the United Kingdom (UK). The samples used were wood burners that had the government certification of “smoke exempt appliances.” The experiment was done using dry wood that produce less smoke.

Studies indicate that about 40 percent of outdoor air pollution emanates from wood and coal burning. However, the new study is among the first to test indoor pollution based on real-time analysis. The research further revealed that wood burners have less impact on air pollution than open flames.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that about 3,000 people in the U.S die each year as a result of smoke inhalation. The fine particulate matter produced by smoke can get into the respiratory system and eyes and can cause irritation and illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma.