Introduction Clean Burning Techniques

Installation & Certification Regulations

INTRODUCTION

Wood smoke consists of small particles that can be inhaled deep into our lungs. Smoke aggravates asthma and emphysema, irritates eyes, and triggers headaches and allergies.

Young children — whose bodies are still developing and who breathe more rapidly than adults — are most susceptible to wood smoke health impacts. So are the elderly and anyone with heart or respiratory illness. (Health Effects of Wood Smoke - the Washington Department of Ecology  and Wood Smoke and Your Health)

About half of all homes in northwest Washington have some type of wood heating device. During the winter, especially at night and on weekends, wood smoke can account for up to 80% of the air pollution recorded in residential areas.  Studies show that up to 70% of what is measured outside can seep into a building within an hour. 

Watch this 15 minute video to learn more - "It's Time to Clear the Air":

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Cleaner Burning Techniques:

If you heat with wood, you can help clear the air in your neighborhood by following these three easy steps:

• Burn only dry, clean, untreated wood or manufactured logs. It is illegal to burn anything else. Paper is legal only for starting a fire.  Fire wood should be dried under cover for six months to a year before burning.
• Give your fire plenty of air. Be sure not to overload the stove or damper it down. Small, hot fires burn cleaner, produce more heat and can use less wood.
• Check you chimney about 20 minutes after starting your fire.  Lots of smoke means your fire needs air. An efficient, legal fire emits heat waves and just a wisp of smoke. Be considerate — don't smoke out your neighbors!