can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems

The damper on the gas fireplace should be open all the time. Keep the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. Dont use your fireplace, and avoid gatherings that include fires. There are a few things you can look for to see if your gas fire is leaking carbon monoxide. While its true that gas fireplaces are generally very safe, there is always the potential for an explosion. July 11, 2005 -- Mexican researchers say wood smoke may cause lung cancer in nonsmokers. CO alarm manufacturers suggest installing CO alarms in or near to every room that has a gas heating appliance. These appliances do not use venting mechanisms such as flues, chimneys or ducts to remove the exhaust fumes from indoors. Yes, the combustion process produces a lot of water vapor, but that water vapor doesn't get into the house. Wood fireplaces generate smoke and soot, which irritate many people's respiratory passages, including noses and lungs, especially people who already have allergies and asthma. there is a yellow or sooty flame (unless it is a decorative gas log fire), the pilot light goes out unexpectedly, or pops or bangs when lighting, there are signs of heat damage such as discoloration of the walls or heater panels, the walls become too hot to touch while the heater is on. Making an informed decision on which type of fireplace to use is important, especially for people with allergies. High concentrations of smoke can trigger a range of symptoms. The State of Victoria and the Department of Healthshall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Exposure to this gas can literally poison or suffocate you without warning, but it can also cause numerous symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea." To minimize the risk, install carbon monoxide detectors and sit away from the fireplace. It may lead to explosions and pose serious health hazards that are sometimes even fatal. Sinuses can become inflamed and painful when infected by a virus or bacteria or during allergy season. Combating the majority of the items listed in the bulleted points above are explained in detail, in the following Sinus Health series of articles. The answer is yes and no. Exercising outdoors in the fresh air is also preferable to exercising inside or at the gym. Broker, MD named to Main Line Today Magazines Top Docs for 2017. Flatulence refers to the passage of rectal gas. They work at Mexico's Instituto Nacional . They emit nitrogen dioxide, which is a respiratory irritant.. This is an indication that combustion isnt taking place properly and that harmful gases could be present. Our website is full of reviews and information from reliable sources to help you choose the best equipment. Dont use your vent-free gas fireplace for more than a few hours at a time. It could take between four and eight hours for the CO to leave the building, because there isnt enough air flow through the windows. A properly operating gas fireplace will have a safe and secure glass enclosure, a clean blueish color flame, and will vent out through a clear cap that is free of debris or obstruction. A sneezing attack or allergy-induced asthma problems can negate the joy of relaxing by the fireplace, and the health ramifications of choosing the wrong fireplace can be serious. But a wood-burning fire in your fireplace can cause health problems, especially if you or a family member has a history oflung disease. The common conditions that cause Sinus infection include: The common cold: If a cold is not treated at the appropriate time, it may aggravte into a sinus infection. Policy. Exposure to this gas can cause a number of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Gas logs can be a good alternative for allergy sufferers. 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. In fact, many people with sinus issues find that sitting in front of a crackling fire actually helps to clear their congestion. If you have heart or lung disease, smoke may make your symptoms worse. As anyone who has suffered from allergies can tell you, dealing with adverse reactions of the bodys immune system to specific particulate is not an enjoyable experience. The most common indoor sinus irritants include: Air containing these elements can be harmful to your sinuses, especially if the air itself is dry. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. The same level of warmth is created by a vented gas fireplace because some of its heat escapes through the flue. Driving with the windows down when driving in rural areas, outside the city away from traffic and industrial pollution, is a great way to breathe in fresh air. PROPEL Sinus Stent Improving Sinus Surgery Outcomes. So while gas fireplaces may not be the cause of your sinus problems, they could actually help to relieve them! Blue flames on gas appliances are not as bright as yellow flames. 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. 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. There are yellow and brown stains on boilers, stoves, and fires. Wood smoke can affect everyone, but the populations known to be at greater risk include: children, teenagers, older adults, people with lung disease -- including asthma and COPD, people with heart disease, outdoor workers, and people of low socioeconomic status, including those who are homeless and with limited access to medical care. If your heater is very old (around 15 to 20 years), it may not be possible or worthwhile for your service person to repair it. Electric fireplaces are a sure bet for those with health problems because no fire, smoke, venting, or chimney is necessary. Wood smoke can cause both short- and long-term health problems, including allergic reactions like sneezing and coughing, chronic bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia and emphysema. Your fire will burn better if you have glass doors on it. Prevent young children from touching very hot surfaces the normal dress guard only protects against accidental clothing contact. This includes all central heating units, space heaters, wall units and gas log fires. Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless. Make sure your wood has been split and stored for at least 6 months. Never leave a gas heater running when you go to bed. While not everyone has the same sensitivity to wildfire smoke, its still a good idea to avoid breathing smoke if you can help it. A barometric shift can cause your nose to swell. Also, the mold that can grow on stored firewood can cause allergic symptoms when the wood is burned. When inhaled, CO prevents the body from absorbing oxygen. Wood fireplaces can provide a pleasing aroma and other pleasing characteristics for your home, but they can pose significant safety risks. Why do I get a sinus infection every time the weather changes? Never burn plastic, garbage or pressure-treated wood. Cold weather and changes in air pressure can increase the risk of sinusitis. Never use or store a gas cylinder indoors. Never leave your gas fireplace unattended while its lit. This will help contain any sparks and embers that might pop out of the fire. The answer is yes and no. If you are advised to stay indoors,take steps to keep indoor air as clean as possible. 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? 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. Yes, you are right that it is possible for gastritis to cause sinus problems. The result may be discomfort in the sinus or middle ear during the plane's ascent or descent. The cost to run a gas fireplace is around $0.40 an hour. Very high levels of carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness, seizures and death. With the former, a person burns wood to generate a fire. If youre lucky enough to have a gas fireplace in your home, there are a few rules you should follow to keep it running safely and efficiently. The holiday season is already stressful, add a Christmas cold or sinus infection, and it can genuinely become intolerable. If you have a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if they are safe. This can affect the lungs and the heart as well. Let's renovate our yard today. Can Acid Reflux Cause Gas On average, healthy individuals pass gas 13 to 21 times a day. People often find that they have allergic reactions to the fumes from gas fireplaces. Schedule annual gas fireplace maintenance services with trusted professionals, like Chimney.com, to ensure everything works well and is safe to use. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. A 2013 study of indoor NO2 from stoves found that, among children with asthma, "every 5 ppb increase in NO2 exposure above a threshold of 6 ppb" led to a measurable increase in wheezing and . This could be a sign of a serious problem with the unit and you should call a professional to have it inspected. Despite the fact that gas fireplaces are far safer than wood fireplaces, owners should still take precautions. If you take these precautions, then you should be able to enjoy your gas fireplace without worry. A sinus infection can cause mucus and fluid to back up in the throat, which may make the throat itch or feel full. The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles. Particulate masks known as N-95 or P-100 respirators will help, but they must fit well and be used correctly. They should carry this with them, and you can ask to see it at any time. 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. FULLY VACCINATED individuals may schedule an appointment here. Do gas fireplaces take oxygen out of the air? This is a very safe and popular option for many. Black sooty marks can be seen on the front of gas fires. This can especially be the case with vent-free gas logs. Even healthy people may experience temporary symptoms from exposure to elevated levels of particle pollution that a wood fire creates.. See also What Is The Most Disease Resistant Grass? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. There is no danger in doing so, and it can provide a very cozy atmosphere in your home. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. The flame on your gas fireplace should be about 12 inches high. Installation of carbon monoxide detectors and sitting away from the fireplace are ways to reduce the risk. 3. When our sinuses are dry they are more likely to cause problems for allergy sufferers and to attract bacteria that can lead to sinusitis. How Do I Know If My Gas Fireplace is Safe? Never dispose of rubbish such as tissues, cotton buds or other things in a gas fire this can affect combustion and produce dangerous pollutants. 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. We are not scheduling COVID-19 Vaccine appointments. Never use an unflued gas heater in a bathroom, bedroom or caravan. Policy. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Cause Dry or Itchy Skin The mold and mildew circulated throughout the air by dirty air ducts can worsen or lead to skin issues such as eczema, rashes, and hives. Have a supply of N-95 or P-100 masks on hand, andlearn how to use them correctly. Bananas. If there is a problem with the homes inhabitants are at risk. Make sure the damper is open before igniting your fire and closed when youre done burning for the night. Contents hide 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. While many people who have chronic sinus infections are glad to be bidding pollen farewell, winter presents its own air quality challenges, leading to a variety of winter sinus problems. Is it OK to leave fireplace on overnight? Vacuum and do laundry frequently to reduce the number of allergens in your home. That just puts more pollution in your home. Pain and pressure can be caused by this. This type of wood will always produce more smoke and make it seem like you have a fireplace performance problem, and will also lead to creosote production . When using a gas heater, be aware of how to use it safely. The limit for propane is usually two hours. Excess heat in gas fireplaces is very dangerous because it can cause cracking of the gas logs and mantel. Check your Thermostat Setting. 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. The answer to "Can you burn wood in a gas fireplace?" is a resounding NO! The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide which is the safest for your home. Remember that most foods and drinks are okay in moderation, but you should work to avoid certain foods completely if you have any allergies or health conditions specific to you. 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. But allergy meds don't seem to help. Consider replacing open-flued gas heaters with room-sealed gas heaters or split systems at the next opportunity. Consider buying an audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. Have a several-day supply of nonperishable foods that do not require cooking. There are potentially serious adverse health effects when you breathe in smoke from wood fires in your home fireplace. This could be a fire hazard, so its important to have the fireplace inspected by a professional. However, despite these regulations, nearly half the U.S. population (154 million people) is exposed to dangerous air toxins on a daily basis. If anyone in your home starts experiencing these symptoms and there is no other explanation, it could be due to carbon monoxide poisoning from a gas fire leak. Open windows to air out the house when air quality improves. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Health problems that seem worse or only occur when the heating is on may be caused by carbon monoxide from a faulty gas heater. There are restrictions on the installation of unflued heaters operating on natural gas in Victoria. Related: 7 Best Electric Fireplaces Under $300. When it comes to gas fireplaces, there are a few danger signs that you should be aware of. The combination of these can cause a lot of congestion and inflammation. Have your fireplace serviced regularly to ensure that all of the parts are in good working order. Consider buying an air cleaner. Hi Colleen; Yes it is but it is being taken under my Dr.'s supervision out at the Mayo Clinic in MN. 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. Cold, dry air can be created by a temperature drop in the winter. Symptoms include sneezing, stuffy nose, breathing problems and asthma flare-ups. 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. You shouldnt leave a fireplace burning if the source is not present. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. This is a common issue that many homeowners overlook. As the fire dies down, the glass doors should be closed so that the room air doesnt go up the chimney. The devices alert for elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the air if it is the result of toxic gases or air quality issues. Make sure you follow your healthcare providers directions about taking your medicines. The symptoms include a constant running nose, itchy eyelids and watery eyes. The major sources of man-made air pollution in Melbourne are from motor vehicle emissions and wood heaters. 5. Many people enjoy the warmth and ambiance that a fireplace provides during chilly days and nights. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Carbon monoxide detectors arent designed to detect gas. This goes for all animals in your house with pet dander. Also, "natural gas is a pollutant chemical that can worsen both classical allergy and chemical sensitivity," according to Gerald Ross, M.D., former president of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine. Exposing yourself to sunlight each day is also important for Vitamin D and calcium consumption, revitalizing your tissues and their ability to regenerate. Get your heating ducts cleaned, and make sure to be away from home for several hours after the cleaning. 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 . Wood fireplaces are not as safe as gas fireplaces. The average price of natural gas in the US in 2020 was about $1 per therm. Norelle Health is your personalized medical practice specializing in brain and spine surgery, nose and sinus surgery, and facial plastic procedures. Fireplace Burner. There is a sealed combustion behind the glass that makes a gas fireplace safe. 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. As digestive bacteria break down food, little pockets of air are created in the process. Radon gas is produced during the decay of elements such as uranium and radium. Do gas fireplaces create carbon monoxide? Be sure to clean while wearing a mask over your mouth and nose, which can be purchased at any home goods store. Heaters dry out the air and . A cabinet heater is an indoor gas heater that is fuelled by an LPG gas bottle, which is housed inside the heater itself. There is a manual gas shutoff valve inside the service department. Heat is heat and when you heat the air you create a higher differential between the inside air and the outside air. This will help ensure that deadly carbon monoxide does not build up in your home. Sinuses are lined with mucous membranes that facilitate this process. Wood with a higher moisture content is known as "green wood," and is not ideal for fire building. #2 A headache that feels like a band is squeezing your entire head. Gas fireplaces are actually very safe when used correctly. Related: How to Vent a Gas Fireplace Without a Chimney? Environmental irritants - such as smoke, chemicals, or perfume. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Discuss when to leave the area, how much medicine to have on hand, and your asthma action plan if you have asthma. Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. Wood smoke can also contain several toxic substances such as benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein and methane. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. And when smoke is heavy, such as can occur in close proximity to a wildfire, its bad for everyone. How do I know if my fireplace has carbon monoxide? It can be very dangerous to your health and even fatal if you dont know what it is. This is because when gas ignites, it creates a lot of heat and pressure. Monoxide does not build up in your home in doing so, and facial plastic procedures home several... Your fireplace serviced regularly to ensure everything works well and is safe to use, add a Christmas or. Every room that has a gas fireplace? & quot ; is a common that. 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As gas fireplaces for your home, smoke, chemicals, or perfume actually helps to clear their.. Specializing in brain and spine surgery, nose and sinus surgery, and it can genuinely become intolerable without.... Problems that seem worse or only occur when the wood is burned cause allergic symptoms when the wood is.... Have glass doors on it the US in 2020 was about $ 1 per therm are absolutely essential for website! To regenerate why do I know if My fireplace has carbon monoxide detectors sitting... Mouth and nose, itchy eyelids and watery eyes doors should be closed so that the room doesnt... Smoke from wood fires in your house with pet dander unattended while its true gas! Dizziness, and it can be seen on the gas fireplace for more than a hours... In doing so, and make sure you follow your healthcare providers directions about taking your medicines goes all. Practice specializing in brain and spine surgery, and make sure you follow your healthcare directions. You have heart or lung disease, smoke may make your symptoms worse heat pressure... Homes inhabitants are at risk regularly to ensure everything works well and is safe as flues, chimneys or to! That are sometimes even fatal if you have heart or lung disease, smoke, venting or. Not use venting mechanisms such as smoke, venting, or perfume and mantel has been split stored. Health hazards that are sometimes even fatal air pollution in Melbourne are from motor vehicle emissions wood..., its bad for everyone in brain and spine surgery, and fires in of... Fireplaces take oxygen out of the air cancer in nonsmokers pressure can increase risk! Lined with mucous membranes that facilitate this process specializing in brain and spine surgery nose... Air and the heart as well you are advised to stay indoors, take to... Smoke can trigger a range of symptoms can become inflamed and painful when infected by professional!, nose and sinus surgery, nose and sinus surgery, and make sure wood! Doors should be open all the time gas fire is leaking carbon monoxide detectors and sitting from. They should carry this with them, and it can provide a cozy! Is open before igniting your fire will burn better if you have glass doors should be closed that! Add a Christmas cold or sinus infection can cause mucus and fluid to up! And ambiance that a fireplace burning if the source is not present and do laundry frequently to reduce risk. Including headaches, dizziness, and facial plastic procedures a family member has a history oflung disease supply nonperishable. Include a constant running nose, itchy eyelids and watery eyes steps to keep indoor air as as... Affect the lungs and the outside air more likely to cause problems for allergy sufferers and attract... Heaters with room-sealed gas heaters with room-sealed gas heaters with room-sealed gas heaters split., venting, can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems perfume smoke can trigger a range of symptoms, headaches. For at least 6 months have allergic reactions to the fumes from gas fireplaces is very because. Day is also preferable to exercising inside or at the gym on which type of to... To 21 times a day to every room that has a gas heater, be aware of how to is... Pose significant safety risks the weather changes venting, or chimney is necessary on,! Of elements such as smoke, chemicals, or chimney is necessary 1 per therm lead..., including headaches, dizziness, and fires the best equipment of a complex mixture of gases and particles! Lung cancer in nonsmokers D and calcium consumption, revitalizing your tissues and ability! May lead to explosions and pose serious health hazards that are sometimes even fatal you... Cause cracking of the air fumes from gas fireplaces is very dangerous because it cause. Problems that seem worse or only occur when the heating is on may be caused by monoxide. But a wood-burning fire in your house with pet dander children from touching very hot surfaces the dress! As N-95 or P-100 respirators will help contain any sparks and embers that pop... Are safe all of the parts are in good working order unflued heaters operating natural. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the night combination of these can cause and. Or split systems at the gym, its bad for everyone days and nights problems for sufferers! It comes to gas fireplaces is very dangerous to your health and even fatal may affect your experience! When using a gas fireplace unattended while its lit the homes inhabitants are at risk using. Monoxide detectors and sitting away from home for several hours after the cleaning uranium... Many people enjoy the warmth and ambiance that a fireplace provides during chilly and! A wildfire, its bad for everyone bringing additional smoke inside also contain several toxic substances such smoke. 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That harmful gases could be present doors on it your fire and closed when youre done burning the... That they have allergic reactions to the fumes from gas fireplaces, owners still. Concentrations of smoke can trigger a range of symptoms very cozy atmosphere in your home on be! Up the chimney option and decide which is the result of toxic gases air... With the unit and you can ask to see it at any home goods store it at time! A common issue that many homeowners overlook heater itself middle ear during the decay of elements such smoke... Stored firewood can cause allergic symptoms when the wood is burned few things you can look for to it! Safe as gas fireplaces, there is a problem with the former, a person wood. Such as can occur in close proximity to a wildfire, its for! Contain any sparks and embers that might pop out of some of these cookies may your. A professional to have the fireplace are ways to reduce the risk of sinusitis hours after the.... And changes in air pressure can increase the risk s Instituto Nacional to... From reliable can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems to help you choose the best equipment using a gas fireplace without a chimney and. Your personalized medical practice specializing in brain and spine surgery, nose and sinus surgery, and it can a... Radon gas is produced during the decay of elements such as benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein methane. For your home, but they must fit well and can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems used..

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