Many items are not safe to burn in your fireplace. You need to be aware of what you’re burning, because it may not be great for you, your neighbors, or the atmosphere. Here’s a guide to what not to burn in your fireplace or woodstove.
1 – Cardboard
Cardboard often contains man-made chemicals. When these are burned, it can release hazardous fumes. It’s also possible for cardboard to float into the air as it’s burning. If you have a screen in front of your fireplace, the cardboard may travel up the flue and out of the chimney (which could cause a fire outside).
2- Plywood, Particle
Board, Press Board, and Pressure Treated Lumber
Painted, stained, treated, or manufactured woods can also release toxic chemicals and carcinogens when burned.
3 – Plastics
Household plastics should not be burned in a fireplace. They release chemicals like hydrochloric acid, sulfur dioxide, dioxins, and heavy metals that are dangerous for your health and the environment.
Dioxin is an emission that comes from burning plastics like PVC. This chemical is toxic and carcinogenic. Immediate exposure to burning plastic can lead to weakness, headaches, fatigue, and damage to your eyes or respiratory system. These emissions can also settle on crops or in water sources.
4 – Wet Wood
Unseasoned or wet firewood can contain up to 45% water. It produces more smoke than seasoned wood, which can cause dangerous creosote to build up on your chimney’s inner walls. It also does not produce as much heat for your home.
5 – Dryer Lint
Dryer lint can be obtained quickly and for free, so it may seem like the ideal fire starter. While it is an effective fire starter, it can also release toxic chemicals into your home and up your chimney. Dryer lint collects dust, byproducts from fabric, and detergents and fabric softeners in it – making it a less than ideal option for a fire starter.
6 – Fire Accelerants
Never use accelerants like kerosene, gasoline, or grill start fluid to help get your fire started. These can cause flare-ups or heat your fireplace to extremely high temperatures that are unsafe.
Handling fire accelerants indoors can be extremely dangerous and can put you at substantial risk for fire from drips or misuse. Accelerants are designed to be used outdoors, not in a controlled environment.
7 – Coal or Charcoal
Coal or charcoal burns much hotter than wood. They can exceed the temperature levels that are safe for your fireplace and chimney. They also produce much more carbon monoxide than properly seasoned wood does.
8 – Magazines or Colored Paper
Many magazine pages are treated with high pigment inks and coatings which can release toxic fumes when burned. Here are a few examples of boxes & paper you should never burn:
- Cereal boxes
- Pizza boxes
- Wrapping paper
- Magazines
Something to be aware of with these materials is the surface-to-mass ratio. Wood burns slowly over extended periods of time, but paper and boxes will burn quickly. This can lead to tall flames that may ignite creosote in your chimney.
What should I burn in my fireplace?
The only item you should burn in your fireplace is dry, seasoned firewood. Seasoned wood means that the wood has been left out to dry for a long period of time. Hardwoods like maple and oak are often recommended as firewood. These have very little sap compared to other softwoods and can provide you with a longer burn time.
Due For An Annual Inspection? Contact Us!
A CSIA-certified chimney sweep should take a look at your fireplace and chimney on an annual basis. This will reduce the risk of critical safety issues or needed repairs being missed. If you have any questions or concerns about your fireplace, Bassemiers is here to help! Contact us today!
