Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. The smell of burning gas can cause sensitivity, headaches, and other issues in some people. Cold, dry air can be created by a temperature drop in the winter. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Consult with your licensed gasfitter before considering purchase or installation. 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. 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. While allergies and other conditions add to sinus congestion, food is the first place to explore. You can lose balance, vision, and memory. Make sure your wood has been split and stored for at least 6 months. Some patients experience the symptom with normal amounts of gastric gas. Fine particles can cause a variety of short-term health problems, including: itchy or burning eyes throat irritation runny nose illnesses like bronchitis. High levels of carbon monoxide in the air are very dangerous and may cause people to pass out or even die. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Long-term exposure to formaldehyde can cause more severe and chronic health problems, according to the CDC. That is, if your setup is a true. Many opt to get gas log fireplaces in their efforts to avoid allergy symptoms, but gas logs can also trigger symptoms. A neti pot looks similar to a small teapot in appearance, save for an extended spout. Wood smoke hashealth effectslike lung cancer, wheezing and premature death, too. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Long-term exposure to high levels of NO2 can lead to chronic bronchitis. Avoid winter sinus problems with these easy steps. There are three types of headache due to gas. Never leave a gas fireplace unattended. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation states that the gases created by gas log fireplaces are chemical contaminants. If you have an old open-flued gas heater, consider safe alternative heating or replacing with a room-sealed gas heater or split system at the next opportunity. First off, take a quick peek at your thermostat. Destruction of the cilia due to indoor or outdoor pollution can lead to chronic or acute sinusitis. FULLY VACCINATED individuals may schedule an appointment here. Carbon monoxide detectors arent designed to detect gas. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. You shouldnt run an unvented fireplace for more than 3 hours at a time. Radon gas is produced during the decay of elements such as uranium and radium. 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. Electric fireplaces are a sure bet for those with health problems because no fire, smoke, venting, or chimney is necessary. Exposure to wood. Pilot light is out: If your gas fireplaces pilot light goes out, you should not try to relight it yourself. This is a very safe and popular option for many. Consider buying an audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. How do I know if my gas fire is leaking carbon monoxide? You simply turn on a switch, which causes the flames to appear. The American Lung Associationrecommendsusing natural gas stoves and heaters instead of wood-burning fireplaces to heat your home or water. 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. Difficult thinking or concentrating can be caused by long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide. The limit for propane is usually two hours. Viruses and bacteria will not be flushed away unless the sinuses have enough moisture. Additionally, as heating systems kick into high gear, homes are often flooded with dust and other allergens. Apples poisonous gas sensor will be able to detect harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds, among others. Another reason your gas fireplace won't stay lit could be the thermocouple. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that gas fireplaces cause sinus problems. If you think you are having a heart attack or stroke, dial 9-1-1. 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. 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. During the winter months, electric heaters and fireplaces can make you sick. This is because of the dangerous fumes that are produced during the combustion of fossil fuel. Testing for allergens will allow you and your doctor to create an allergy management program to avoid exposure and effects of allergens. Yes, it can. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Get your heating ducts cleaned, and make sure to be away from home for several hours after the cleaning. What is the purpose of glass doors on a gas fireplace? 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. Unflued gas heaters require ongoing ventilation to external spaces to allow fresh air to fuel the burner and discharge combustion products. And when smoke is heavy, such as can occur in close proximity to a wildfire, its bad for everyone. Get your heating ducts cleaned, and make sure to be away from home for several hours after the cleaning. Pay attention to local air quality reports. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The cardiovascular problems caused by levothyroxine can be especially dangerous, even fatal. Nasal congestion is most likely to occur with upper respiratory conditions. The main concern with gas fireplace fumes is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. The devices alert for elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the air if it is the result of toxic gases or air quality issues. When the paranasal sinuses fail to equalize to barometric changes during vertical travel, damage to the sinus can cause sharp facial pain with postnasal drip or a nosebleed after surfacing. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be caused by gas fireplace leaks, but can also be caused by explosions that can level a block. It is the cold air outside that pulls the moisture from the inside air. 4. They do not emit as much exhaust as wood-burning fireplaces and might even be safer than vented gas fireplaces. Learn more about smoke and health: Wildfire Smoke, A Guide for Public Health Officials, For information about home air cleaners: Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home, For a list of certified air cleaning devices:California Certified Air Cleaning Devices, Learn the right way to use an N-95 or P-100 particulate respirator mask:Protect Your Lungs from Wildfire Smoke, What to do before, during, and after a wildfire:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wildfire Page. Model # is 6901860400. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. These symptoms are characteristic of different medical conditions including nasal congestion due to any cause, hay fever, reactions to indoor allergens, or sinus infections.Increased passing gas is not typically related to respiratory conditions but could be present due to another cause. One of the most common danger signs is a yellow or orange flame. (1 pg., 650KB,about PDF)They are sold at many hardware and home repair stores and online. This will help contain any sparks and embers that might pop out of the fire. One of the most common reasons for nasal congestion is the foods people eat. A gas stove can be vented through an existing chimney, whether it is a manufactured or masonry chimney. CO alarm manufacturers suggest installing CO alarms in or near to every room that has a gas heating appliance. 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. Gas fireplaces, gas stoves and inserts all use sealed combustion technology, which means all combustion air comes from the outside. This possibility should be tested when you have your heater serviced. 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. 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. Amrita Khokhar, MD. That just puts more pollution in your home. 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. How much does it cost to run gas fireplace for an hour? Some people have problems with the smell of burning gas. green or . Try to avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves - and even candles. If you receive conflicting scheduling information please contact us at 610-415-1100. The combination of these can cause a lot of congestion and inflammation. Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. 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 . Always use glass doors when burning your fire. Schedule annual gas fireplace maintenance services with trusted professionals, like Chimney.com, to ensure everything works well and is safe to use. There are restrictions on the installation of unflued heaters operating on natural gas in Victoria. An electric fireplace could be a good alternative. Sinus pressure and congestion go hand in hand as congestion is caused by the nasal cavities in your head getting backed up. Broker, MD named to Main Line Today Magazines Top Docs for 2017. Wood fires release tiny particles that get into the lungs and can harm people with underlying health conditions. Will a carbon monoxide detector detect a gas leak? What can I do to treat and prevent dry sinuses? So even a small amount can impact your body's ability to carry oxygen to the cells. High concentrations of smoke can trigger a range of symptoms. If you are advised to stay indoors,take steps to keep indoor air as clean as possible. This is why so often you will see people dealing with both sinus pressure and headaches at the same time. This can especially be the case with vent-free gas logs. Nasal polyps - non-cancerous growths on the lining of the nose and sinuses that can cause mucus to become blocked. According to the CDC, up to 500 people die annually from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. If they are registered and licensed, they will have a photo ID card that states what kinds of work they are allowed to do. Note: If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. There is no danger in doing so, and it can provide a very cozy atmosphere in your home. Dont use your fireplace, and avoid gatherings that include fires. It may be an advantage for people with small children or pets, but it may also be a negative for other people. Can opening a window help with carbon monoxide? How Many Gallons Of 32 Nitrogen Are In A Ton? If you suffer from sinus problems, you may be wondering if gas fireplaces could be the culprit. Learning how to fight the silent toxins lurking in the air, carpets, upholstery and other places will result in healthier sinuses. Have your gas heater serviced and tested by an appropriately trained and licensed gasfitter at least once every 2 years. Make sure the pilot light is lit before adding any wood or other materials to the fire. If you use natural gas, you can run your fireplace for up to four hours before you need to refill. If you are experiencing concerning symptoms that do not improve over time, seek the advice of your doctor. 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. We are not scheduling COVID-19 Vaccine appointments. Common Health Problems Exposure to natural gas through gas leaks can be harmful. Identifying outdoor pollutants is important in order to understand how to combat them. Gas fireplaces create air that is moist and dry air that is dry. Blue flames on gas appliances are not as bright as yellow flames. A 20,000 BTU gas fireplace will use less than 20 bcm of natural gas per hour. Be sure to clean while wearing a mask over your mouth and nose, which can be purchased at any home goods store. 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. Some heaters cannot be repaired for safety reasons and, sometimes, spare parts are not available for older heaters. Anxiety can also sometimes cause physical symptoms in addition to emotional distress. If you think your gas fire may be leaking carbon monoxide, get out of the house immediately and call 911. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Strange smells: If you smell something strange coming from your gas fireplace, it could be a sign of a gas leak. Chest Pain: 3 Signs Its Not a Heart Attack and Possible Causes. Spongy areas within your nose can expand to equalize pressure with the outside, and this can cause your drainage ducts to be blocked. Unflued gas heaters draw air from within the room and emit combustion products back into the same space where the heater is located which can lead to serious health problems including death. They emit nitrogen dioxide, which is a respiratory irritant.. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Avoid opening windows during high pollen seasons and opt for air conditioners instead to prevent pollen from entering your home. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Sinuses are lined with mucous membranes that facilitate this process. Ventless gas fireplaces are highly beneficial and also cost less than traditional furnaces and heaters. Combating the majority of the items listed in the bulleted points above are explained in detail, in the following Sinus Health series of articles. It may lead to explosions and pose serious health hazards that are sometimes even fatal. 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. An official website of the United States government. When our sinuses are dry they are more likely to cause problems for allergy sufferers and to attract bacteria that can lead to sinusitis. Should the flue be open on a ventless gas fireplace? Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. Consider using a HEPA filter in your heating systembut make sure you remember to clean the filter regularly. 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 means that in 65 years, a staggering nine years will have been spent seated in front of a television screen. 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. Be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure and seek medical attention if necessary. Why does my fireplace give me a headache? If the mucus dries inside your sinuses, it can also crust and block your sinus cavity, causing inflammation leading to nasal irritation or even a sinus infection. According to the A.C. Nielsen Company, on average, Americans watch over four hours of television shows per day. 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