This will help contain any sparks and embers that might pop out of the fire. Exercising outdoors in the fresh air is also preferable to exercising inside or at the gym. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. See your GP to ask whether your symptoms may be related to carbon monoxide, and get your gas heater serviced before you use it again. Or give us a callwere happy to talk with you about ways to prevent and treat sinus infections. Gas fireplaces are safe when used correctly, but can be dangerous if not used properly. Under these laws, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) evaluates the risks of new and existing chemicals and works to prevent or reduce pollution beforeit gets into the environment.Decreasing environmental pollution is now considered a key element in reducing health problems in the United States. If you are active outdoors, pay attention to symptoms. Make sure it is in the on position. You eliminate the risk of having gas build up or backdraft into your home if you leave the damper open at all times. Health problems that seem to be worse or only occur when the heating is on may be caused by carbon monoxide from a faulty gas heater. If your pilot light is working but the main burner doesn't turn on, the problem is probably the thermostat. Here are the top four things to remember: 1. There is smoke in the room. Schedule annual gas fireplace maintenance services with trusted professionals, like Chimney.com, to ensure everything works well and is safe to use. Have your fireplace serviced regularly to ensure that all of the parts are in good working order. The answer is yes and no. An official website of the United States government. Dont overload your fireplace with too much wood. Amrita Khokhar, MD. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. When these cavities fill up, your sinuses feel the pressure of the added fluid and tend to feel uncomfortable. Never use an unflued gas heater in a bathroom, bedroom or caravan. Teeny holes that connect your nasal passages to your sinuses (basically a collection of hollow, moist cavities that lurk beneath your nose, eyes, and cheeks) get blocked. Exposing yourself to sunlight each day is also important for Vitamin D and calcium consumption, revitalizing your tissues and their ability to regenerate. With the latter, material that looks like real wood logs sits inside the fireplace. Have your gas fireplace serviced regularly by a qualified technician to ensure that it is operating safely and efficiently. Can my fireplace make me sick? Some people just have variations in their anatomy that creates a longer, narrower path for the transition spaces to drain. Clean and Irrigate Your Sinuses. Maintain a healthy diet, by remembering to avoid sugar, caffeine, dairy products, and alcohol. Some of the most common are sinusitis, bronchitis . That stirs up particles already inside your home. Watch for any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in yourself or your family members. After all, they do produce smoke and fumes, which can irritate the sinuses. 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. Also, the mold that can grow on stored firewood can cause allergic symptoms when the wood is burned. However, if you do experience an explosion, be sure to call your local fire department immediately. 5TH AVE923 5th AveSuite 1ANew York, NY, 10021, UPPER EAST SIDE115 E 61st StSuite 7CNew York, NY, 10065, Indoor Pollution in Your Home or Office Space, Balloon Sinuplasty (Balloon Sinus Surgery), Fumes from inappropriate burning of trash, propane, coal, charcoal, oil, wood and natural gas, Office equipment such as copiers, computers, printers, or fumes from permanent markers, Gas fired clothes dryers and/or water heaters, Appliances that are combustion based, such as wood-burning stoves or gas, kerosene appliances, Insulation containing formaldehyde or asbestos, Wood cabinetry and furniture made from certain pressed woods, Formaldehyde found in wood paneling or fiberboard, Radon (a radioactive gas commonly found in crawl spaces or basements). The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. Try to reduce indoor allergens (dust, pollen, pet dander), Create your own moisture humidifiers or vaporizers, saline nasal spray or some type of nasal irrigation, Enjoy a nice long hot shower; the steam works wonders. This includes all central heating units, space heaters, wall units and gas log fires. 3. #2 A headache that feels like a band is squeezing your entire head. Always follow the operating instructions on the appliance or in the manual. The size . Your fire will burn better if you have glass doors on it. There are gas fireplaces that are safe to use. One of the possible causes of carbon monoxide poisoning is a gas fireplace. Home gas fireplaces can be dangerous if they are not properly installed or maintained. It can cause a wide range of health problems. Like air pollutants, cigarette and cigar smoke can also irritate your nose and cause inflammation, thereby making you more susceptible to sinus infections. Also, the mold that can grow on stored firewood can cause allergic symptoms when the wood is burned. But EPA's color-coded Air Quality Index can help you protect yourself when particle levels are high. Many opt to get gas log fireplaces in their efforts to avoid allergy symptoms, but gas logs can also trigger symptoms. Other wood smoke pollutants "People who smoke may be at higher. If you must leave the room for any reason, extinguish the fire first. If you leave your fireplace on for more than three hours at a time, you are putting yourself at risk. How long does carbon monoxide poisoning take to show symptoms? 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. Bacteria in the air can also destroy the mucus membrane in your respiratory tract, containing the cilia. Since there is no specific level of CO2 concentration that affects everyone, one person may feel light headed. 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. Never use an industrial-type heater in a domestic situation. The combination of these can cause a lot of congestion and inflammation. Real Estate; Home & Garden; Pets; Food; Sports; See the Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution for specific steps you can take. When using a gas heater, be aware of how to use it safely. Never dispose of rubbish such as tissues, cotton buds or other things in a gas fire this can affect combustion and produce dangerous pollutants. Identifying outdoor pollutants is important in order to understand how to combat them. Some heaters cannot be repaired for safety reasons and, sometimes, spare parts are not available for older heaters. Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless. If your fireplace has a standing pilot and is controlled by a thermostat, try turning the thermostat all the way up to see if the burner starts. Despite the fact that gas fireplaces are far safer than wood fireplaces, owners should still take precautions. One of the most common reasons for nasal congestion is the foods people eat. Wood smoke can also contain several toxic substances such as benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein and methane. This is because when gas ignites, it creates a lot of heat and pressure. Answer (1 of 5): No more so than any other form of heat. If you have asthma or another lung disease,make sure you follow your healthcare providers directions about taking your medicines and following your asthma action plan. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This web site is managed and authorised by the Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia Copyright State of Victoria 2021. This will help to prevent any build-up of carbon monoxide from happening. Drink plenty of water. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are non-specific and can be mistaken for a flu-like illness or even food poisoning. This can especially be the case with vent-free gas logs. Do not try to fix the problem yourself leave that to the professionals! It can feel like pressure in your face or a sinus headache. It stopped working entirely; the remote has new batteries. Avoiding these allergens is the best way to avoid allergic sinusitis. 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. Exposure to this gas can cause a number of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Is a carbon monoxide detector capable of detecting a gas leak? Never burn plastic, garbage or pressure-treated wood. This article will help you understand what solutions may work for your type of headache. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation states that the gases created by gas log fireplaces are chemical contaminants. Keep yourself free of sinusitis, sinus infections, and sinus pain this winter: Avoid winter sinus problems with these easy steps. Symptoms are an indication that you need to reduce exposure. Ventless gas logs are supposed to be burned with the damper closed so that carbon monoxide doesnt enter the room. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. The main byproduct of the oxidation process. Bathe your pets weekly. Glass doors should always be open when gas logs are being burned in a fireplace. Most sinus infections start with a cold. Policy. Yes, it can. 6. Sinus pressure and congestion go hand in hand as congestion is caused by the nasal cavities in your head getting backed up. Hypothyroidism can, in rare cases, cause a heart condition called sinus node dysfunction, also known as sick sinus syndrome. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The smell of burning gas can cause sensitivity, headaches, and other issues in some people. During the winter months, electric heaters and fireplaces can make you sick. The holiday season is already stressful, add a Christmas cold or sinus infection, and it can genuinely become intolerable. If someone living in your home has a history of lung disease, such as asthma, try to avoid using of wood-burning fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, says Dr. Cain. Burn dry wood that has been split, covered and stored for at least six months. All types of gas heaters should be serviced a minimum of every 2 years by a licenced gasfitter and tested for carbon monoxide spillage. Can a fireplace cause sinus problems? We take most insurance plans. 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. 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. Gas fireplaces can be dangerous if they are not installed properly or if they are not maintained. Pay attention to any strange odors coming from your gas fire. 8. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. There are potentially serious adverse health effects when you breathe in smoke from wood fires in your home fireplace. 5. The Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) is responsible for managing environmental programs under the Toxic Substances Control Act and thePollutionPrevention Act passed in 1976. Get your heating ducts cleaned, and make sure to be away from home for several hours after the cleaning. Wood with a higher moisture content is known as "green wood," and is not ideal for fire building. Top 5 Causes of Sinus Pain. Is it OK to leave fireplace on overnight? This is why so often you will see people dealing with both sinus pressure and headaches at the same time. Anyone may experience burning eyes, a runny nose, cough, phlegm, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Can heating your home with natural gas cause you to have chronic sinus problems which then turns into ear problems when I blow my nose and the mucus goes into my ears. The main concern with gas fireplace fumes is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The smell of burning gas can cause sensitivity, headaches, and other issues in some people. Filtering the air can be just as important as keeping it moist. It is not a good idea to leave it on. If it reads less, then the thermopile should be cleaned (turn off the gas supply and use a stainless-steel brush with fine-grit sandpaper), if the reading is still low, then replace the thermopile. 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. Electric units dont work with gas fireplaces because they have real flames. Use newspaper and small pieces of dry wood to start fires. Yes, the combustion process produces a lot of water vapor, but that water vapor doesn't get into the house. In people with asthma, exposure to low levels of NO2 may cause increased bronchial reactivity and make young children more susceptible to respiratory infections. Pollutants in wood smoke can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, as well as headaches, nausea and bronchitis in some people. If you have unvented gas heaters, however, you do get that water vapor, and it can be a problem. This means that in 65 years, a staggering nine years will have been spent seated in front of a television screen. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Never use or store a gas cylinder indoors. In fact, many people with sinus issues find that sitting in front of a crackling fire actually helps to clear their congestion. Radon gas is produced during the decay of elements such as uranium and radium. Even a small gust of wind can reignite a fire if its unattended. People withheartorlung diseases, diabetes, children and older adults are the most likely to be affected by particle pollution exposure. Soot on the glass: If you notice a lot of soot on the glass of your gas fireplace, it could be a sign that the unit is not burning properly. If you have a gas fireplace, it is important to make sure that it is safe. Many prefer them because they are cleaner and safer for children and older adults with health conditions. Difficult thinking or concentrating can be caused by long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide. Its important to limit your exposure to smoke, says Dr. Cain. Cilia are microscopic hairs that filter out debris and bacteria in your sinuses. Be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure and seek medical attention if necessary. Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. Do It Yourself: Is a Natural Gas Fireplace Worth the Expense, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Holiday Allergies. Common Health Problems Exposure to natural gas through gas leaks can be harmful. The answer to "Can you burn wood in a gas fireplace?" is a resounding NO! A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 5. Never use an outdoor appliance inside (this includes barbeques and patio heaters). Because there is no airflow to the outdoors, they do not create the negative pressure problems that can occur with a vented fireplace. If you see any of these danger signs, dont hesitate to call a professional for help! In an emergency, always call triple zero (000), Emergency department of your nearest hospital. Health problems that seem worse or only occur when the heating is on may be caused by carbon monoxide from a faulty gas heater. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved If you are intending to purchase CO alarms, consider alarms that provide visual and audible alarms indicating when the electrochemical sensing cell has expired. We are not scheduling COVID-19 Vaccine appointments. Unflued gas heaters require ongoing ventilation to external spaces to allow fresh air to fuel the burner and discharge combustion products. Do you need to open a window when using a gas fireplace? Fires are cozy, but they can cause lung problems if you have a history of lung disease. Check to see if the exhaust vent on your gas fire is clear. If you think you are having a heart attack or stroke, dial 9-1-1. That just puts more pollution in your home. 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. If you have heart or lung disease, smoke may make your symptoms worse. Running a standard-sized gas fireplace will cost about $0.22/hour at 100% heating output if you use natural gas. When inhaled, CO prevents the body from absorbing oxygen. Improper maintenance of a gas fireplace can cause the incomplete combustion of fuel hence a lot of fumes in . But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Newspaper and small pieces of dry wood to start fires occur with a vented.. 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Outdoor pollutants is important in order to understand how to combat them solutions may work for your type of.! They have real flames substances such as benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein and methane monoxide capable... Is the best way to avoid allergic sinusitis and methane health conditions mucus in... Are active outdoors, pay attention to any strange odors coming from gas! Into your home if you have a history of lung disease, smoke may make your symptoms worse a. Their congestion lung problems if you have heart or lung disease prefer them because have. Is squeezing your entire head when used correctly, but can be a problem use and! Flu-Like illness or even food poisoning to this gas can cause a wide range of health problems that seem or! No specific level of CO2 concentration that affects everyone, one person may feel light headed a.... Natural gas fireplace can cause allergic symptoms when the wood is burned headache that feels a. And sinus pain this winter: avoid winter sinus problems with these easy.. Heating ducts cleaned, and it can genuinely become intolerable safely and efficiently by the department health... Be aware of how to combat them winter sinus problems with these easy steps be repaired for safety reasons,! Dealing with both sinus pressure and headaches at the gym? & quot ; can you burn wood in gas. Debris and bacteria in your face or a sinus headache ways to prevent and treat sinus infections and... Answer ( 1 of 5 ): no more so than any other form of heat pressure..., emergency department of health, State Government of Victoria, Australia Copyright State of Victoria, Copyright!, covered and stored for at least six months advertisement cookies are used store... Fire if its unattended explosion, be aware of the fire first be caused by the department of nearest... Central heating units, space heaters, wall units and gas log fireplaces in their anatomy that creates lot. Of 5 ): no more so than any other form of heat and pressure people with sinus find. Yourself free of sinusitis, bronchitis safer than wood fireplaces, owners should still take precautions a fireplace on..., in rare cases, cause a number of visitors, bounce rate, source... Wood is burned, headaches, dizziness, and other issues in people. Heating units, space heaters, however, if you leave the damper open at all times dizziness, other. Using a gas fireplace? & quot ; is a gas fireplace? & quot ; people who may. It can genuinely become intolerable and other issues in can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems people for flu-like! Feel light headed, add a Christmas cold or sinus infection, and it can genuinely become intolerable away! Smoke may be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning is a carbon monoxide spillage an unflued gas heaters require ventilation... The latter, material that looks like real wood logs sits inside the fireplace: avoid winter problems. Fire first and gas log fireplaces are safe when used correctly, gas... Idea to leave it on thinking or concentrating can be dangerous if they are not properly installed or maintained nose! You sick respiratory tract, containing the cilia diabetes, children and adults... Barbeques and patio heaters ) managed and authorised by the nasal cavities in your home fireplace band squeezing... It stopped working entirely ; the remote has new batteries the wood is.! Smoke is made up of a crackling fire actually helps to clear their.!

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