Quiz: what holiday tradition is bad for everyone's health, and also bad for the planet?
Hint: "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..."
Yes, that cheerful wood-burning fireplace that confronts us everywhere in image and song at this time of year, is actually a little toxic incinerator.
Wood smoke is very similar to second-hand tobacco smoke, comprised of many of the same carcinogenic chemicals, plus an extra dose of lung-clogging fine particulate matter. Seniors and children are at most risk, but anyone with allergies, asthma, heart or lung problems may suffer a medical crisis from exposure to smoke from a nearby home.
The Canadian Lung Association recommends that wood NOT be burned in homes; check their website for their statement on Residential Wood Burning, under "Expert Opinions".
Peace, goodwill, clean air, and good health to all.
The above text appeared as a UR Opinion piece on the Sentinel Review's website on Dec. 15, 2015.
Further reading, links at right:
The fireplace delusion, by Sam Harris
UPHE 17 reasons to ban wood burning
