If you know someone in this situation, consider checking on them and seeing what you might be able to do to help. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Carbon monoxide gas can be odorless and go undetected until a person dies from carbon monoxide poisoning, which is the biggest reason. Avoid opening windows during high pollen seasons and opt for air conditioners instead to prevent pollen from entering your home. If youre using a fireplace and smell smoke in your home, the fireplace probably isnt working as it should, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Official websites use .gov Cutting-edge Treatments for Ear Nose, Throat, and Allergy. If you have a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if they are safe. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. A barometric shift can cause your nose to swell. This can affect the lungs and the heart as well. 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. Although there are a large variety of pollutants in your indoor and outdoor environments that expose you to sinus problems, there is still a lot that you can do to protect yourself and create a welcoming setting for your sinuses and reduce your chances of contracting acute or chronic sinusitis. Have your gas fireplace serviced regularly by a qualified technician to ensure that it is operating safely and efficiently. You can use these if you wish. This is because when gas ignites, it creates a lot of heat and pressure. Nasal congestion is most likely to occur with upper respiratory conditions. The smell of burning gas can cause sensitivity, headaches, and other issues in some people. Pilot light issues. Blue flames on gas appliances are not as bright as yellow flames. Cleaning your pets thoroughly with products purchased at your local pet shop will reduce the amount of dander the pets leave in the air and on carpets and upholstery, potentially saving you from sinus pain and pressure. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. These include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Those manufactured after 1992 are significantly cleaner-burning than older models because of federal air quality regulations that went into effect at that time, according to theEPA. Can you leave gas fireplace pilot on overnight? Since there is no specific level of CO2 concentration that affects everyone, one person may feel light headed. There is a lot of condensation at the window. If you see any of these danger signs, its important to contact a professional immediately to have your fireplace inspected. How much does it cost to run gas fireplace for an hour? Answer (1 of 5): No more so than any other form of heat. If you choose to buy an air cleaner, dont wait until theres a fire - make that decision beforehand. Exposure to wood. Pay attention to local air quality reports. These appliances do not use venting mechanisms such as flues, chimneys or ducts to remove the exhaust fumes from indoors. Toxic gases may cause serious health problems in these situations. Ventless gas logs are supposed to be burned with the damper closed so that carbon monoxide doesnt enter the room. If your heater is very old (around 15 to 20 years), it may not be possible or worthwhile for your service person to repair it. Fine particles can cause a variety of short-term health problems, including: itchy or burning eyes throat irritation runny nose illnesses like bronchitis. Sinus infections, the cause of untold misery, strike about 37 million people in the U.S. each year. It can be very dangerous to your health and even fatal if you dont know what it is. This is a serious safety hazard and you should evacuate the area immediately and call your gas company. A gas log fireplace must be properly vented to the outside so that toxic fumes are heading outside rather than staying in your home. 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. Additionally, as heating systems kick into high gear, homes are often flooded with dust and other allergens. First, be sure that the area around the fireplace is well-ventilated. Have a several-day supply of nonperishable foods that do not require cooking. Wood smoke hashealth effectslike lung cancer, wheezing and premature death, too. In 1996, they were banned by Alaska, Montana, Minnesota, New York, and Massachusetts due to the influence of the industry. It humidifies the house; it doesn't dry it out. Some heaters cannot be repaired for safety reasons and, sometimes, spare parts are not available for older heaters. Is it OK to leave fireplace on overnight? How do I know if my gas fireplace is safe? If your heater appears on Energy Safe Victoria's safety alerts list , do not use it until it has been tested and serviced by a qualified gasfitter. Flames are coming out of the unit: If you see flames coming out of your gas fireplace, turn off the gas immediately and call a professional. Keep the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. 2. Yes, it can. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Fortunately, it many cases, the odors aren't as problematic as your initial fears may suggest. Lack of moisture in the air inside your home prevents the mucus in your nose from passing through your sinus and nasal cavity. The excess heat can also cause the hearth floor to crack. This will help contain any sparks and embers that might pop out of the fire. Enter your box content here. They are sold at many hardware and home repair stores and online. In addition, dry air can also lead to increased mucus production which may lead to problems for asthma sufferers and cause eczema flair ups. The holiday season is already stressful, add a Christmas cold or sinus infection, and it can genuinely become intolerable. When our sinuses are dry they are more likely to cause problems for allergy sufferers and to attract bacteria that can lead to sinusitis. Prepare for fire season if you live in a fire-prone area. Wood fireplaces are not as safe as gas fireplaces. Its not necessary to open the window all the way, just an inch or two. Unflued gas heaters require ongoing ventilation to external spaces to allow fresh air to fuel the burner and discharge combustion products. If this pressure is not released properly, it can cause the fireplace to explode. If you have a gas fire, it is important to know if it is leaking carbon monoxide. Do It Yourself: Is a Natural Gas Fireplace Worth the Expense, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Holiday Allergies. 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! January 06, 2020 Burning wood in your fireplace all winter may feel cozy and keep you warm, but smoke from those fires can also cause health problems. Viruses and bacteria will not be flushed away unless the sinuses have enough moisture. Its important to limit your exposure to smoke, says Dr. Cain. Installation of carbon monoxide detectors and sitting away from the fireplace are ways to reduce the risk. If you must leave the room for any reason, extinguish the fire first. Consider buying an audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. There is no danger in doing so, and it can provide a very cozy atmosphere in your home. This is why so often you will see people dealing with both sinus pressure and headaches at the same time. There are restrictions on the installation of unflued heaters operating on natural gas in Victoria. 1. Check your Thermostat Setting. Hypothyroidism can, in rare cases, cause a heart condition called sinus node dysfunction, also known as sick sinus syndrome. Have plenty of ventilation ventilation is very important as it allows fresh air to come in and fumes to go out. Like alcohol, coffee causes dehydration that can add up to the stiffness you feel when having sinus problems. Small amounts of nitrous dioxide and carbon monoxide can be fatal in large quantities. 1. 2. Wood with a higher moisture content is known as "green wood," and is not ideal for fire building. Be sure to clean while wearing a mask over your mouth and nose, which can be purchased at any home goods store. This restriction also applies to new and second-hand unflued heaters imported from interstate and overseas. When these cavities fill up, your sinuses feel the pressure of the added fluid and tend to feel uncomfortable. Knowing what food to eat and to avoid can help prevent excessive mucus from developing in the nasal passages. Strange smells: If you smell something strange coming from your gas fireplace, it could be a sign of a gas leak. Exposure to particle pollution is even linked to premature death. If you must leave the room for any reason, extinguish the fire first. Broker, MD named to Main Line Today Magazines Top Docs for 2017. If you have a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if they are dangerous. Electric fireplaces are a sure bet for those with health problems because no fire, smoke, venting, or chimney is necessary. Step 4 - Get Gas. In addition to the improvements listed above, there are a variety of miscellaneous tips to keep in mind when creating a regime for healthy sinuses. How Do I Know If My Gas Fire is Leaking Carbon Monoxide? So even a small amount can impact your body's ability to carry oxygen to the cells. So while gas fireplaces may not be the cause of your sinus problems, they could actually help to relieve them! Some people have problems with the smell of burning gas. Because there is no airflow to the outdoors, they do not create the negative pressure problems that can occur with a vented fireplace. Dust masks aren't enough!Paper dust masks or surgical masks will not protect your lungs from the fine particles in wildfire smoke. Its not possible to have a fireplace that causes allergies. Can heating your home with natural gas cause you to have chronic sinus problems which then turns into ear problems when I blow my nose and the mucus goes into my ears. Make sure you follow your healthcare providers directions about taking your medicines. Take note of your symptoms, and be sure to contact your . If you have a gas fireplace, it is important to make sure that it is safe. Small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest health problems because they can get deep into the lungs, says Dr. Cain. The cardiovascular problems caused by levothyroxine can be especially dangerous, even fatal. Heaters operating on Natural gas in Victoria it doesn & # x27 ; t as problematic as your fears! Is because when gas ignites, it is safe, nausea, and other.. These appliances do not create the negative pressure problems that can add up to the outdoors, do... Dr. Cain or two, chimneys or ducts to remove the exhaust fumes from.... 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