https://www.fireplacesandstove.com/categories/wood-burning-stoves The Dangers of a Wood Burning Fire A wood-burning fire can be a comfortable and relaxing experience. It can also release toxic combustion by-products. It is important to understand the way wood burns and how to properly use your fireplace. Choose dried or seasoned logs. Logs that are seasoned are less moist and be more hot than unseasoned logs. Burning Time The burning of wood is a very effective and traditional method of heating. This fire can emit indoor and outdoor pollutants that are harmful to human health. A well-designed fireplace, when utilized with care, can reduce the negative effects of burning wood. The time it takes to burn a woodfire depends on its temperature. The temperature of the fire influences the amount of smoke that is produced, as well as how much carbon monoxide is released. Carbon monoxide can make it difficult for people to get out of a burning structure in the event that levels are too high. It is important to keep a low heat level on the fire to prevent this. During the first stage of a wood fire volatile gases such as methane and Methanol are released from the cellulose of the wood. are non-combustible or combustible depending on the moisture content and pyrolysis temperature of the sample. The temperature of the pyrolysis can reach 325 degrees Celsius. At this point cellulose starts to decompose, forming tar and coal. This process is referred to as wood pyrolysis. In addition to the volatile gases burning wood releases a myriad of other harmful combustion products, like dioxins and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs have been linked to cancer and other diseases, both in humans and in animals. They also can cause soil and water contamination. It is essential to burn wood in an area which is adequately ventilated to limit the effects of PAHs. A wood stove that has an extended burn feature can sustain visible flames for hours, while using the least amount of fuel. This m