Your fireplace may actually be hurting your body. For most people, nothing beats a traditional wood burning fireplace for its sheer aesthetic value, as well as the comfort and warmth it brings. Today, however, we know that wood burning traditional fireplaces can actually be detrimental to our health, as they emit hazardous carcinogens, poisons, and other impurities into the air that we breathe. In light of this information, many modern homeowners opt for healthy and safe electric fireplace heaters rather than traditional wood burning fireplaces.
Smoke is a very complex substance, comprised of many gasses and millions of microscopic toxins called Particulate Matter. These particles are the most dangerous threats of wood smoke; they invade your eyes, throat, and respiratory system, inflaming regions and causing a number of symptoms such as eye irritation, runny noses, bronchitis, asthma, and nausea. In especially large concentrations, wood smoke has even been attributed to the onset of lung cancer, emphysema Some studies have strongly suggested that there is little difference between concentrated wood smoke and concentrated cigarette smoke.
Particulate Matter is very , very good at evading our natural bodily defense mechanisms. Particulate Matter can even leave you vulnerable to future ailments and diseases. Studies conducted in Washington State have shown that people who burn wood to heat their homes are hundreds of times more susceptible to respiratory problems than people who used alternative heating methods. During the winter months, wood smoke is the third largest contributor to atmospheric pollution in Washington.
As you can see, the importance of electric fireplace heaters extends well beyond convenience and creature comforts. These alternative heat sources are actually important investments in your health and in the purity of your environment. Installing a electric fireplace in your home is the best way to bring warmth to your domicile without burning wood and releasing Particulate Matter into the breathable air. Think about buying electric fireplace heaters this winter, for a healthier home and a healthier you.