Can Fireplaces Cause Allergies?
January 23, 2018
Fireplaces are a perfect addition to any living room, as they provide a comfortable, cozy atmosphere which is a relatively hard thing to do. Similarly, they can be a centerpiece of the said room that allows for family and friends to gather. This can be valuable when you want to have a get-together, or when you want to bring people together.
But Can It Cause Any Problems?
Typically, when the seasons start to change, people start to feel a little sick. In New England, and especially along the coast, such as places like Massachusetts, or Maine, the weather is a bit harsher and temperatures and climate can change very rapidly. From the common cold to allergies, fall, winter, and early spring can cause a lot of problems for people, but is your fireplace to blame for that?
As a short answer, we find that no, fireplaces do not cause allergies or other illnesses. Let’s take a look at the different kinds of fireplaces and whether or not they themselves cause allergies.
Gas Fireplaces
Gas Fireplaces will not be able to cause allergies, as they are run via gas. As a great option to consider, they are safe, especially for people with children, and cause be extremely similar to an electric fireplace.
Gas fireplaces are seemingly what you would get if you mixed wood-burning fireplaces and electric fireplaces. Sometimes there are even “logs of wood” that the fire comes out of to simulate a wood-burning fireplace.
Wood Burning Fireplaces
Wood burning fireplaces are the only slight cause for concern, and this has nothing to do with the fireplace itself.
The issue only arises when you get a piece of wood containing mold, which can often set off people’s allergies, as about 200,000 are diagnosed with the allergy every year (and much more go undiagnosed). When you buy wood from the store, you will not have an issue, but harvesting your own wood can sometimes result in burning wood containing mold spores.
The smoke can also sometimes set off people with asthma, but by keeping it contained with proper screening and ventilation can help ensure this is not an issue.
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces have almost the same effects as gas fireplaces. They are completely safe, and maybe even better for people with children, as they are almost always safe to touch, meaning there is no potential for a burn.
Similarly, they are fumeless and ensure your family is fully safe.
If you are interested in a fireplace installation, contact us today at Anderson Fireplace, or give us a call at 800-472-1717 for more information.
