https://www.fireplacesandstove.com/products/cleveland-iron-works-erie-wood-stove The Dangers of a Wood Burning Fire A wood-burning fireplace can be a relaxing and comfortable experience. However, it can produce toxic combustion products. It is important to understand the way wood burns and how to properly use your fireplace. Choose mature logs or Kiln dried logs. Seasoned logs hold less moisture, and are able to burn longer and hotter than unseasoned logs. Burning Time Burning wood to produce heat is a common and efficient method of heating. This fire can emit indoor and outdoor pollutants that are harmful to the human body. A well-designed fireplace, when utilized with care can lessen the negative effects of burning wood. The duration of a woodfire is determined by its temperature. The temperature of the wood fire will affect the amount of smoke released and the amount of carbon monoxide that is released. If carbon monoxide levels are high, they could hinder the escape of occupants from a burning building. It is important to keep the temperature of the fire at a lower level the fire to prevent this. During the initial phase of the fire, volatile gases like methane and alcohol are released from the wood's cellulose. These gases can be non-combustible or combustible, based on the moisture content and the pyrolysis temperature of the sample. The temperature of pyrolysis increases to 350 degrees Celsius. At this point the cellulose begins to break down and forms charcoal and tar. This process is referred to as wood pyrolysis. Burning wood releases toxic combustion products like dioxins, polyaromatic hydrocarbons and PAHs. PAHs have been linked to cancer and other illnesses in humans as well as in animals. They can also cause contamination of water and soil. Wood must be burnt in an area that is well ventilated to reduce the impact of PAHs. A wood stove with the ability to extend its burn time can sustain visible flames for hours while burning a minimum of fuel. This me