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Harmful Health Effects of a Dirty Chimney
Cleaning a dirty fireplace is a dreaded but important spring-cleaning chore. What many people don’t realize is that the filthy grime in a dirty chimney can negatively affect your health. In more positive terms, an investment in a clean chimney and fireplace is also an investment in better health. By scheduling professional chimney cleaning services, you can avoid the following health hazards caused by a dirty chimney.
Inhalation of Smoke and Soot
Soot and ash are toxic substances produced by wood fires, but creosote is the combustion byproduct that creates the most problems. Creosote is highly flammable and it sticks to the walls of the chimney liner every time a fire burns. Creosote contains toxic properties, and smoke from a fireplace contains the same contaminants that stick to the chimney liner walls.
Smoke inhalation and exposure to creosote can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, skin irritation, and burning eyes. The especially young and old are most at risk for health problems caused by a dirty chimney. Prolonged smoke inhalation can result in the development of lung cancer or skin cancer.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
If your chimney is clogged by creosote buildup, which is a common issue in U.S. households, toxic combustion gases and smoke will enter your home. Although creosote is only created by wood fires, every type of combustion creates carbon monoxide (CO). CO is widely known as the Silent Killer. Carbon monoxide is odorless, tasteless, invisible, and symptomless. The dangers associated with carbon monoxide exposure are the reason fire safety experts urge homeowners with solid fuel appliances like fireplaces to install carbon monoxide detectors in addition to smoke detectors.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, headache, difficulty breathing, and lightheadedness. Serious health problems and death can result from exposure to carbon monoxide.
Growth of Mold and Bacteria
Unless you schedule routine chimney cleaning and inspections, unseen issues such as the growth of bacteria and mold can occur. This is partly because chimney leaks can be difficult to identify until the resulting damage has become extreme. A humid, warm chimney is an environment ripe for the development of bacteria and mold. The rapid formation of mold spores can cause widespread home contamination and health issues.
The following are among the symptoms of exposure to bacteria and mold:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fatigue
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Headache
- Triggering of allergy problems
- Worsening of allergy symptoms
How to Have a Cleaner, Healthier Chimney & Fireplace
There is no reason to give up on the pleasures of a warm, cozy fire in winter due to health concerns. Instead, simply keep up with a chimney or fireplace cleaning, annual inspections, and repairs. When a chimney and fireplace are in good condition and operating as they are supposed to, toxic combustion fumes and other threats to health don’t have a chance to cause problems.
Contact Dubuque Fireplace & Patio Today
The NFI-certified chimney professionals at Dubuque Fireplace & Patio provide reliable chimney cleaning services. Chimney inspections, chimney repairs, masonry repair, and all of your other chimney maintenance needs can be scheduled by calling Dubuque Fireplace & Patio at (563) 582-5156. If you live in or near Highland WI, schedule chimney cleaning services with Chimney Specialists Inc. at (608) 929-4887. A dirty chimney is a threat to good health. So, call today!
