Pilot light is out: If your gas fireplaces pilot light goes out, you should not try to relight it yourself. Other wood smoke pollutants They can cause a range of health problems, from burning eyes and a runny nose to aggravated chronic heart and lung diseases. Never use or store solvents, aerosols or pressure pack cans near a gas heater even if the heater is turned off, the pilot light may still be on. If you smell gas near your fireplace, this is also a cause for concern. Most sinus infections start with a cold. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious health problems, including death. A CO alarm should therefore be certified to meet European (EN50291) or US (UL2034) standards. The main concern with gas fireplace fumes is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are non-specific and can be mistaken for a flu-like illness or even food poisoning. 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. #1 A headache that starts in the temples, and slowly proceeds to the center of your head. 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. Destruction of the cilia due to indoor or outdoor pollution can lead to chronic or acute sinusitis. A bubble of air trapped within the body expands as air pressure in a plane is reduced. Moist mucus and nose hair are there to trap the dust that you inhale so it will not reach your lungs. Avoid running exhaust fans (bathroom, kitchen) if you have an un-flued or open-flued gas heater, as this may cause carbon monoxide to leak back into the room. If you are experiencing symptoms of sinusitis such as headache, postnasal drip or a discolored nasal discharge, congestion, coughing, fever and fatigue for longer than 10 days, schedule an appointment today! On the surface of things, the cause of sinus trouble is clear. Nasal irrigation is an easy way to help prevent and treat sinus problems, according to . Another reason your gas fireplace won't stay lit could be the thermocouple. If you do decide to use your wood-burning fireplace, the EPA has thesesuggestionsfor safer fires: If youre thinking about switching to a gas fireplace to avoid the health hazards of a wood-burning fireplace, gas fireplaces also may affect indoor air quality, she says. Gas fireplaces create air that is moist and dry air that is dry. Make sure you follow your healthcare providers directions about taking your medicines. Lastly, note that inspecting your home for these materials is important if you suspect that some of the more harmful items on this list may be present, as they can affect far more than just your sinuses. According to the A.C. Nielsen Company, on average, Americans watch over four hours of television shows per day. Never burn plastic, garbage or pressure-treated wood. 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. Symptoms include sneezing, stuffy nose, breathing problems and asthma flare-ups. The combination of these can cause a lot of congestion and inflammation. These appliances do not use venting mechanisms such as flues, chimneys or ducts to remove the exhaust fumes from indoors. Installation of carbon monoxide detectors and sitting away from the fireplace are ways to reduce the risk. Health issues include: Increased risk of nasal, sinus, throat, and lung cancer Reproductive or developmental effects, and Asthma-like respiratory problems When Are Formaldehyde Exposure Risks Highest? Its not necessary to open the window all the way, just an inch or two. One way you can reduce your health risks with burning wood in your home is to use newer fireplace inserts. Water vapor produced from natural gas combustion remains in the given space because there's not a chimney or flue to usher it out of the room. Electric fireplaces are a sure bet for those with health problems because no fire, smoke, venting, or chimney is necessary. If you receive conflicting scheduling information please contact us at 610-415-1100. Bacteria in the air can also destroy the mucus membrane in your respiratory tract, containing the cilia. A barometric shift can cause your nose to swell. The answer is a definite yes. Do not be alarmed if some of the water is felt in your throat, Step 5: Blow your nose to be sure that all of the solution has been drained from your nose, Step 6: Repeat Steps 1-5, sliding the tip of the spout into the opposite nostril. Testing for allergens will allow you and your doctor to create an allergy management program to avoid exposure and effects of allergens. If you think your gas fire may be leaking carbon monoxide, get out of the house immediately and call 911. Try to avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves - and even candles. Common Health Problems Exposure to natural gas through gas leaks can be harmful. If the vent is blocked, carbon monoxide could build up inside your home. If you have a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if they are safe. People withheartorlung diseases, diabetes, children and older adults are the most likely to be affected by particle pollution exposure. The most common indoor sinus irritants include: Air containing these elements can be harmful to your sinuses, especially if the air itself is dry. How long should you leave a gas fireplace on? Use newspaper and small pieces of dry wood to start fires. Broker, MD named to Main Line Today Magazines Top Docs for 2017. Exercising outdoors in the fresh air is also preferable to exercising inside or at the gym. Fortunately, it many cases, the odors aren't as problematic as your initial fears may suggest. If you have cardiovascular disease,follow your healthcare providers directions and call if your symptoms worsen. Our website is full of reviews and information from reliable sources to help you choose the best equipment. This difference in pressure is what causes sinus pressure and sinus headaches, which can be exacerbated by an existing sinus infection, allergies, congestion, or other sinus . Very high levels of carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness, seizures and death. They are also more likely to occur if you have a history of heart disease. 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. A neti pot looks similar to a small teapot in appearance, save for an extended spout. Its not possible to have a fireplace that causes allergies. These include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Pregnancy - can cause hormonal . It stopped working entirely; the remote has new batteries. Have your gas heater serviced at least every 2 years by a qualified gasfitter, to help keep your family safe. Policy. This explains why a dry house can cause sinus problems. Clean and Irrigate Your Sinuses. But a wood-burning fire in your fireplace can cause health problems, especially if you or a family member has a history of lung disease. If you must leave the room for any reason, extinguish the fire first. The most harmful fumes that you may come in contact with include: You may assume that staying indoors is the best solution in avoiding harmful fumes from the outdoors; however, did you know your sinuses could be exposed to even more harmful irritants inside your very own home? They should carry this with them, and you can ask to see it at any time. After all, they do produce smoke and fumes, which can irritate the sinuses. Continue to schedule a regular appointment. Some roomair cleanerscan help reduce particle levels indoors, as long as they are the right type and size for your rooms as specified by the manufacturer. Exposure to wood. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that gas fireplaces cause sinus problems. When these cavities fill up, your sinuses feel the pressure of the added fluid and tend to feel uncomfortable. Small gas leaks accumulate over a period of time and add a significant amount of pollutants that stress the immune system and other bodily functions. Its cold outside, is it possible that I am experiencing allergies? Pollutants in wood smoke can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, as well as headaches, nausea and bronchitis in some people. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Anxiety can also sometimes cause physical symptoms in addition to emotional distress. Only use a licensed gasfitter who has completed training on detecting and correcting risks of carbon monoxide spillage. Do gas fireplaces take oxygen out of the air? Some gas heaters have been identified as posing a serious health risk. 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. How Do I Know If My Gas Fireplace is Safe? 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. A sinus infection can cause mucus and fluid to back up in the throat, which may make the throat itch or feel full. Can Acid Reflux Cause Gas On average, healthy individuals pass gas 13 to 21 times a day. In these cases, seek alternative shelter, such as with relatives or a cleaner air shelter. Chronic sinusitis usually persists longer than 10 days, but the symptoms are the same. Official websites use .gov The answer to "Can you burn wood in a gas fireplace?" is a resounding NO! There are some telltale signs that you could have a problem with carbon monoxide, even if you dont notice it. Hypothyroidism can, in rare cases, cause a heart condition called sinus node dysfunction, also known as sick sinus syndrome. 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. Strange smells: If you smell something strange coming from your gas fireplace, it could be a sign of a gas leak. Pay attention to any strange odors coming from your gas fire. How much carbon monoxide does a ventless fireplace produce? The wood you burn in your fireplace should have a moisture content of about 10-20%. To ensure proper venting, however, a liner must first be installed in the chimney. Filtering the air can be just as important as keeping it moist. 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. What is the purpose of glass doors on a gas fireplace? Instead of a fireplace screen, make sure your fireplace has a tight-fitting door. Flame is Too Low or High. It doesn't have anything to do with your nasal . There are black stains on the walls around the fires and on the gas fires. This will help contain any sparks and embers that might pop out of the fire. Many people use gas logs because they have allergic symptoms when using wood-burning fireplaces. Avoid opening windows during high pollen seasons and opt for air conditioners instead to prevent pollen from entering your home. Step 1: Mix together a cup of tepid, distilled water and a teaspoon of salt. Investing in a HEPA filters with a carbon pre-filter will also improve the air quality where you live and work. If the gas flow is not constant in your fireplace, then it is likely due to one of the following 4 reasons: Thermostat setting. If the flame is too high, it could mean that the gas pressure is too high or there's something wrong with the burner assembly. Make sure that your chimney is in good condition and is able to ventilate the gases properly. Have plenty of ventilation ventilation is very important as it allows fresh air to come in and fumes to go out. Our sinuses are filled with air, and the pressure in those sinuses is no longer at equilibrium with the pressure outside of the body when the barometric pressure changes. The damper on the gas fireplace should be open all the time. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Its important to limit your exposure to smoke - especially if you are at increased risk for particle-related effects. Narrow sinuses. If you burn your vent-free logs for more than an hour, it is a good idea to open a window. Home gas fireplaces can be dangerous if they are not properly installed or maintained. Gas fireplaces are safe when used correctly, but can be dangerous if not used properly. When the weather outside turns colder, theres nothing cozier than a warm, crackling fire in your fireplace and a steaming cup of tea in your hands. The cold, dry air of winter can dry out the sinuses, irritating the mucous membranes and depleting them of the vital moisture that allows them to trap particulate matter. It is no secret that detoxifying your body through exercise is important for our respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Drink plenty of water. It can be very dangerous to your health and even fatal if you dont know what it is. When selecting installation locations, make sure the alarm is audible from all sleeping areas. This can cause dangerous chimney fires. That takes you in the opposite direction, though. 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. The size . Should I keep the glass doors closed on my gas fireplace? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. On the other hand, patients experiencing postnasal drip, sore throat, and a swollen larynx may have laryngopharyngeal reflux or LPR, a similar stomach condition that is sometimes mistaken for GERD. If you must leave the room for any reason, extinguish the fire first. What can I do to treat and prevent dry sinuses? Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Always follow the operating instructions on the appliance or in the manual. If your heater appears on Energy Safe Victoria's safety alerts list , do not use it until it has been tested and serviced by a qualified gasfitter. Black sooty marks can be seen on the front of gas fires. High levels of carbon monoxide in the air are very dangerous and may cause people to pass out or even die. This is a common issue that many homeowners overlook. 1. Nitrogen Dioxide: This odorless gas that can irritate your eyes, nose and throat and cause shortness of breath. The devices alert for elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the air if it is the result of toxic gases or air quality issues. The following people are at increased risk from air pollutants, including carbon monoxide: Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: Long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can also lead to impaired thinking and concentration, emotional changeability, irritability and impulsiveness. This article will help you understand what solutions may work for your type of headache. Some of the most common are sinusitis, bronchitis . Remembering to hydrate gets harder as the temperature drops, but it is just as important in winter months. Check to see if the exhaust vent on your gas fire is clear. Gas supply problems. 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. Hi Colleen; Yes it is but it is being taken under my Dr.'s supervision out at the Mayo Clinic in MN. When choosing between wood-burning fireplaces and gas logs, there is probably no perfect choice that will eradicate the risk of triggering allergies and breathing harmful substances. Inch or two and slowly proceeds to the center of your head fireplaces are safe used! Your initial fears may suggest uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website to natural through! Odorless gas that can irritate the sinuses ventless fireplace produce or a cleaner shelter! Due to indoor or outdoor pollution can lead to chronic or acute sinusitis some gas have... Heaters have been identified as posing a serious health problems, according to, just an inch or two reason... 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Your medicines using wood-burning fireplaces immediately and call 911 you understand what solutions may work for your type headache... Make sure you follow your healthcare providers directions and call if your fireplaces!
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