Run your air conditioner, if you have one. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. A 20,000 BTU gas fireplace will use less than 20 bcm of natural gas per hour. Exposing yourself to sunlight each day is also important for Vitamin D and calcium consumption, revitalizing your tissues and their ability to regenerate. Cold, dry air can be created by a temperature drop in the winter. Consider buying an air cleaner. If you do find a gas heating specialist online, make sure that they are a licensed gasfitter endorsed for gas appliance servicing. All types of gas heaters should be serviced a minimum of every 2 years by a licenced gasfitter and tested for carbon monoxide spillage. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. This can be influenced by gas and/or food accumulation in the stomach. They must also provide the renter with the date of the most recent safety check, in writing, on the request of the renter. Even healthy people may experience temporary symptoms from exposure to elevated levels of particle pollution that a wood fire creates.. Volatile organic compounds Construction dust and debris Second-hand cigarette smoke Exhaust fumes Household cleaning products Hairspray Pollen Weeds Grasses and pesticides Fumes from inappropriate burning of trash, propane, coal, charcoal, oil, wood and natural gas Pollution can cause sinus irritation There is no danger in doing so, and it can provide a very cozy atmosphere in your home. Some people just have variations in their anatomy that creates a longer, narrower path for the transition spaces to drain. Its not possible to remove the glass or get access to the flames for the gas fireplace. But a wood-burning fire in your fireplace can cause health problems, especially if you or a family member has a history of lung disease. There is a manual gas shutoff valve inside the service department. If these newer appliances are properly installed, well-maintained and used correctly, they can reduce outdoor and indoor air pollution resulting from burning wood and consequently, help reduce risks to your health. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Get air quality information: If there is an active fire in your area, follow your local news, the airnow.gov website or your state air quality website for up-to-date information. Fine particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream if they are in the air. 1. 2. Avoiding these allergens is the best way to avoid allergic sinusitis. However, if you take the necessary precautions, your gas fireplace should be safe to use. High levels of carbon monoxide in the air are very dangerous and may cause people to pass out or even die. Do not try to fix the problem yourself leave that to the professionals! Consider replacing open-flued gas heaters with room-sealed gas heaters or split systems at the next opportunity. Cooking - especially frying and broiling - can add to indoor pollution levels. 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. Nasal polyps - non-cancerous growths on the lining of the nose and sinuses that can cause mucus to become blocked. If you have heart, vascular or lung disease, including asthma,talk with your health care provider before fire season to make plans. Have your fireplace serviced regularly to ensure that all of the parts are in good working order. Is it OK to leave fireplace on overnight? Very high levels of carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness, seizures and death. 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. Despite the fact that gas fireplaces are far safer than wood fireplaces, owners should still take precautions. Do not be alarmed if some of the water is felt in your throat, Step 5: Blow your nose to be sure that all of the solution has been drained from your nose, Step 6: Repeat Steps 1-5, sliding the tip of the spout into the opposite nostril. For more information about how HEPA filters prevent sinus problems, whether a HEPA filter is right for you, and a Buyers Guide on selecting the best HEPA without breaking the bank, read the Spotlight On: HEPA Air Filters article under the Sinus Health page. Allergy occurs when the body overreacts to a 'trigger' that is harmless to most people. This could be a serious safety hazard. The Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) is responsible for managing environmental programs under the Toxic Substances Control Act and thePollutionPrevention Act passed in 1976. This common gas fireplace problem can be a source of panic for homeowners - the combination of a gas appliance and a strange odor can be terrifying! Its cold outside, is it possible that I am experiencing allergies? Do It Yourself: Is a Natural Gas Fireplace Worth the Expense, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Holiday Allergies. There is a sealed combustion behind the glass that makes a gas fireplace safe. Carbon monoxide poisoning wont be stopped if a window is opened. The holiday season is already stressful, add a Christmas cold or sinus infection, and it can genuinely become intolerable. Yes, you can run your gas fireplace all day if you want to. The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles. According to the CDC, up to 500 people die annually from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Its important to limit your exposure to smoke, says Dr. Cain. Bananas. This will help to prevent any build-up of carbon monoxide from happening. Keep your windows and doors closed - unless it's extremely hot outside. Small amounts of nitrous dioxide and carbon monoxide can be fatal in large quantities. Gas fireplaces are one of the most common sources of exposure, even though there are many other possibilities. Many opt to get gas log fireplaces in their efforts to avoid allergy symptoms, but gas logs can also trigger symptoms. Pay attention to local air quality reports. As smoke gets worse, the concentration of particles in the air increases - and so should the steps you take to protect yourself. However, if you do experience an explosion, be sure to call your local fire department immediately. This gas is expelled through the mouth (burping) or anus (flatulence). The answer is yes and no. If there is a lot of carbon monoxide in the air, this can happen within two hours. Have at least a five-day supply of medication on hand. Gas fireplaces are safe when used correctly, but can be dangerous if not used properly. Answer (1 of 5): No more so than any other form of heat. When it comes to safety, its a good idea to open your windows when you use the fireplace. 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. The following are troubleshooting tips for gas fireplaces, continued from Part 1 of this two-part series. Use a humidifier to combat dry air. A faulty gas heater can cause serious health problems. Nasal congestion is most likely to occur with upper respiratory conditions. Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless. Please call the office, Dealing with Christmas Colds and Sinus Infections. Burning gas can reduce the amount of oxygen in the house. Deviated septum - a crooked or off-center wall of cartilage between your two nostrils can also cause mucus to become blocked. Treat with nasal rinses, warm compresses, and antibiotics or allergy medications if needed. The answer to "Can you burn wood in a gas fireplace?" is a resounding NO! Although the frequency of using this measure is debated among some medical experts, it is universally agreed that if you detect either a musty or mildew scent in your air, it is usually time to clean the ducts. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This is why so often you will see people dealing with both sinus pressure and headaches at the same time. Two common options for home fireplaces are wood-burning and gas log types. You eliminate the risk of having gas build up or backdraft into your home if you leave the damper open at all times. ENT and Allergy SpecialistsPhone: 610-415-1100 Fax: 610-415-1101, Bryn Mawr, PA Medical Practice825 Old Lancaster Road, Suite 300, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, Pottstown, PA Medical Practice5 South Sunnybrook Road, Suite 300, Pottstown, PA 19464, Phoenixville, PA Medical Practice826 Main Street, Suite 201, Phoenixville, PA 19460, Individuals who are NOT FULLY VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19 MUST call the office to schedule an appointment 610.415.1100. An increase in the frequency of sinus infections, membrane damage to your nasal and sinus cavities, and a weakening of your immune system are common results of indoor pollution. If you have a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if they are safe. 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. This is a serious safety hazard and you should evacuate the area immediately and call your gas company. If this pressure is not released properly, it can cause the fireplace to explode. Now I will delve deeper into how it all happens and what you can do it help prevent it from happening. It is not a good idea to leave it on. All Rights Reserved. On the surface of things, the cause of sinus trouble is clear. Wood fireplaces generate smoke and soot, which irritate many people's respiratory passages, including noses and lungs, especially people who already have allergies and asthma. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide which is the safest for your home. But EPA's color-coded Air Quality Index can help you protect yourself when particle levels are high. 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 State of Victoria and the Department of Healthshall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. The average price of natural gas in the US in 2020 was about $1 per therm. This is a very safe and popular option for many. Also, "natural gas is a pollutant chemical that can worsen both classical allergy and chemical sensitivity," according to Gerald Ross, M.D., former president of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine. Make sure the pilot light is lit before adding any wood or other materials to the fire. Yes, gas fireplaces can cause headaches. Its not possible to have a fireplace that causes allergies. Always use glass doors when burning your fire. Gas heaters need to be professionally installed and serviced by a trained and qualified gasfitter. Fireplaces can cause irritation to the nose. Use newspaper and small pieces of dry wood to start fires. (1 pg., 650KB,about PDF)They are sold at many hardware and home repair stores and online. According to Do It Yourself, there is no smoke or soot with a natural gas fireplace, so allergy sufferers can breathe easier, according to The Mayo Clinic. Sinus infections, the cause of untold misery, strike about 37 million people in the U.S. each year. My PC keeps telling me it is allergies. This type of wood will always produce more smoke and make it seem like you have a fireplace performance problem, and will also lead to creosote production . Watch for any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in yourself or your family members. The devices alert for elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the air if it is the result of toxic gases or air quality issues. 3. Humidifiers are the most effective during during the winter months. After all, they do produce smoke and fumes, which can irritate the sinuses. Always make sure that a patio heater is stable or fixed, and only use them outdoors. Health problems that seem worse or only occur when the heating is on may be caused by carbon monoxide from a faulty gas heater. Use common sense to guide your activities.Even if you dont have a monitor in your area, if it looks or smells smoky outside, it's probably not a good time to mow the lawn or go for a run. Because there is no airflow to the outdoors, they do not create the negative pressure problems that can occur with a vented fireplace. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. This possibility should be tested when you have your heater serviced. Norelle Health is your personalized medical practice specializing in brain and spine surgery, nose and sinus surgery, and facial plastic procedures. Drink plenty of water. A properly operating gas fireplace will have a safe and secure glass enclosure, a clean blueish color flame, and will vent out through a clear cap that is free of debris or obstruction. How Do I Know If My Gas Fire is Leaking Carbon Monoxide? Sinus barotraumas are among the most common diving injuries. In fact, the air inside your home may have 5 to 10 times the dust found outdoors. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Contents hide July 11, 2005 -- Mexican researchers say wood smoke may cause lung cancer in nonsmokers. Carbon monoxide gas can be odorless and go undetected until a person dies from carbon monoxide poisoning, which is the biggest reason. This explains why a dry house can cause sinus problems. Some people have problems with the smell of burning gas. What is the purpose of glass doors on a gas fireplace? Help keep particle levels inside lower.When smoke is heavy for a prolonged period of time, fine particles can build up indoors even though you may not be able to see them. The answer is yes and no. Another reason your gas fireplace won't stay lit could be the thermocouple. 5TH AVE923 5th AveSuite 1ANew York, NY, 10021, UPPER EAST SIDE115 E 61st StSuite 7CNew York, NY, 10065, Indoor Pollution in Your Home or Office Space, Balloon Sinuplasty (Balloon Sinus Surgery), Fumes from inappropriate burning of trash, propane, coal, charcoal, oil, wood and natural gas, Office equipment such as copiers, computers, printers, or fumes from permanent markers, Gas fired clothes dryers and/or water heaters, Appliances that are combustion based, such as wood-burning stoves or gas, kerosene appliances, Insulation containing formaldehyde or asbestos, Wood cabinetry and furniture made from certain pressed woods, Formaldehyde found in wood paneling or fiberboard, Radon (a radioactive gas commonly found in crawl spaces or basements). Yes, it can. Long-term exposure to high levels of NO2 can lead to chronic bronchitis. Dust your house once a week to avoid the collection of bacteria and dust mites. One way you can reduce your health risks with burning wood in your home is to use newer fireplace inserts. Wood smoke can also contain several toxic substances such as benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein and methane. So while gas fireplaces may not be the cause of your sinus problems, they could actually help to relieve them! The Victorian Government acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present. Gas accumulates in the digestive tract through eating (swallowing air) or bacterial fermentation. A barometric shift can cause your nose to swell. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Continue to schedule a regular appointment. Do I need to open the damper on a gas fireplace? Cause Dry or Itchy Skin The mold and mildew circulated throughout the air by dirty air ducts can worsen or lead to skin issues such as eczema, rashes, and hives. Dont use your vent-free gas fireplace for more than a few hours at a time. CO alarm manufacturers suggest installing CO alarms in or near to every room that has a gas heating appliance. #2 A headache that feels like a band is squeezing your entire head. Javier Delgado, MSc, and colleagues report the finding in Chest. Some patients experience the symptom with normal amounts of gastric gas. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Will a carbon monoxide detector detect a gas leak? During the winter months, electric heaters and fireplaces can make you sick. Be sure to also visit a local general nutrition store and find a multivitamin thats right for you in addition to a zinc or iron pill if you are a woman. Exposure to wood-burning smoke can cause asthma attacks and bronchitis and also can aggravate heart and lung disease.. Only use a licensed gasfitter who has completed training on detecting and correcting risks of carbon monoxide spillage. You will save money on gas utility bills if you use a ventless fireplace.
can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems