https://www.fireplacesandstove.com/ The Dangers of a Wood Burning Fire A wood-burning fire can be a relaxing and cozy experience. It also produces harmful combustion by-products. It is crucial to learn about how wood burns and how to properly use your fireplace. Choose seasoned or kiln-dried logs. Seasoned logs are less moist and burn hotter than unseasoned logs. Burning Time Burning wood to produce heat is a common and efficient method of heating. The fire can release pollutants both indoors and outdoors that are detrimental to the human body. Skillful use of a well-designed fireplace can reduce the negative impacts of burning wood. The duration of a woodfire is dependent on the temperature. The temperature of the fire will influence the amount of smoke released and the amount of carbon monoxide released. Carbon monoxide can make it difficult for occupants to escape a building that is burning if the levels are too high. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to keep the fire at a low level of heat. In the initial stage of a wood fire volatile gases such as methane and Methanol are released from the cellulose of the wood. These gases can be combustible or non-combustible, depending on the moisture content and the pyrolysis temperature of the sample. The temperature of the process can rise to 325 degrees Celsius. At this point cellulose starts to break down, forming coal and tar. This process is referred to as wood pyrolysis. Burning wood releases other toxic combustion products like dioxins, polyaromatic hydrocarbons and PAHs. PAHs are linked to cancer and other illnesses, both in humans and in animals. They can also contaminate the soil and water. To lessen the negative effects of PAHs, wood should be burned in a well ventilated area. A wood stove that has the ability to extend its burn time can maintain visible flames for hours while consuming a minimum of fuel. This method of burning involves layering the wood with lighter firewood and heavier logs to ke