The Wood-Burning Fireplace

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the main cause of pollution resulting from the use of fireplaces and wood burning stoves is produced when the wood does not completely combust, and instead ,releases gases, especially PM10, and particulate matters into the air in the form of smoke. The author points out that PM10 causes major lung damage, which is particularly harmful for young children and the elderly; wood smoke has been shown to be just as hazardous as cigarette smoke, and it should be taken just as seriously. The paper suggests that homeowners can prevent excessive pollution from their wood-burning stoves by starting their fires with a soft wood so that the fire burns quickly, by building a small hot fire, which quickly heats up the chimney and gets a good draft going, and by choosing a hard wood or manufactured logs, which burn longer and cleaner, emitting more heat and less creosote.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Nature and Origin of the Problem
History and Current Status
Health Effects
Biological Effects
Standards and Regulations
Management and Remediation
Comparison with Other Heat Sources
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Air pollution has a major impact on the environment in California because it affects many things from our health to our property, and ultimately the environment. When the issue of pollution arises, most associate the source of the problem to be large cities with thousands of polluting cars and dirty industries; however, the use of wood burning stoves has become an increasing source of severe air pollution in rural areas. Studies show that, "woodstoves release far more air pollution than heaters using other fuels." Not only does the wood smoke present health hazards for the people living in the area, it also clouds the air and reduces visibility."

More papers on The Wood-Burning Fireplace:

• Research Paper # 147274 : "Davis, California Wood Burning Regulations and Ban"
• Analytical Essay # 40050 : "The Wood- Pile"
• Term Paper # 140725 : "Erecting the Wood Frame of a Building"

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