Family Round The Fireplace, Memories And Cancer?
Posted by Lynne Eldridge MD at 11/15/2007 7:29 PM 
Categories: Fireplace safety, Wood smoke, cancer prevention, carcinogens
Categories: Fireplace safety, Wood smoke, cancer prevention, carcinogens
A blistful, warm scene. A perfect Christmas card. Family and friends gathered round the fire to celebrate the holidays.
How can something so cozy raise our risk of developing cancer?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wood smoke contains volatile organic compounds (VOC's), some of which are cancer causing.
But, we have a fireplace we enjoy! What can we do?
First, when building, opt for a natural gas fireplace. If you have an existing wood-burning fireplace, consider updating this to a natural gas version (this could make a nice holiday gift).
If updating is not within your budget, or you simply love the traditional wood-burning variety, the EPA offers the following recommendations to minimize exposure to toxic chemicals.
- Never burn coated, painted, or pressure-treated wood.
- Never burn garbage or cardboard, since plastics and colored inks in these can release harmful chemicals
- Never burn plywood, driftwood, particleboard, or any wood with glue in it.
And, remember there is more to life than cancer prevention. Breathe in deeply the moments during the upcoming holidays with family and friends!
For further information on "cancer-proofing" your holidays, visit Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time.
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How can something so cozy raise our risk of developing cancer?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wood smoke contains volatile organic compounds (VOC's), some of which are cancer causing.
But, we have a fireplace we enjoy! What can we do?
First, when building, opt for a natural gas fireplace. If you have an existing wood-burning fireplace, consider updating this to a natural gas version (this could make a nice holiday gift).
If updating is not within your budget, or you simply love the traditional wood-burning variety, the EPA offers the following recommendations to minimize exposure to toxic chemicals.
- Never burn coated, painted, or pressure-treated wood.
- Never burn garbage or cardboard, since plastics and colored inks in these can release harmful chemicals
- Never burn plywood, driftwood, particleboard, or any wood with glue in it.
And, remember there is more to life than cancer prevention. Breathe in deeply the moments during the upcoming holidays with family and friends!
For further information on "cancer-proofing" your holidays, visit Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time.
Technorati Blog Service Link
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