However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you do choose to run your gas fireplace all day. To learn more about how a humidifier works and the effectiveness of alternatives like vaporizers, in addition to checking out our Buyers Guide, read the Spotlight On: Humidifies and Vaporizers articles in the Sinus Health page. Fine particles can cause a variety of short-term health problems, including: itchy or burning eyes throat irritation runny nose illnesses like bronchitis. Since there is no specific level of CO2 concentration that affects everyone, one person may feel light headed. Its not possible to remove the glass or get access to the flames for the gas fireplace. A ventless fireplace runs on natural gas, including butane or propane, and does not produce the harmful emissions that require a wood-burning fireplace to have a suitable ventilation system. Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless. Black sooty marks can be seen on the front of gas fires. Avoid airborne inhalants such as tobacco smoke, smoke from a fireplace, hairspray, etc. Can a fireplace cause sinus problems? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. 2. If you have a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if they are safe. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. This is because when gas ignites, it creates a lot of heat and pressure. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. And when smoke is heavy, such as can occur in close proximity to a wildfire, its bad for everyone. Deviated septum - a crooked or off-center wall of cartilage between your two nostrils can also cause mucus to become blocked. Radon gas is produced during the decay of elements such as uranium and radium. Dont overload your fireplace with too much wood. The American Lung Associationrecommendsusing natural gas stoves and heaters instead of wood-burning fireplaces to heat your home or water. Air quality reports are available through local news media, your local air agency or onairnow.gov. The answer to "Can you burn wood in a gas fireplace?" is a resounding NO! Prepare for fire season if you live in a fire-prone area. In an emergency, always call triple zero (000), Emergency department of your nearest hospital. Gas fireplaces are one of the most common sources of exposure, even though there are many other possibilities. Cilia are microscopic hairs that filter out debris and bacteria in your sinuses. 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. 5. The holiday season is already stressful, add a Christmas cold or sinus infection, and it can genuinely become intolerable. There is smoke in the room. Consider using a HEPA filter in your heating systembut make sure you remember to clean the filter regularly. When choosing between wood-burning fireplaces and gas logs, there is probably no perfect choice that will eradicate the risk of triggering allergies and breathing harmful substances. That stirs up particles already inside your home. Anyone may experience burning eyes, a runny nose, cough, phlegm, wheezing and difficulty breathing. If you are active outdoors, pay attention to symptoms. Have a supply of N-95 or P-100 masks on hand, andlearn how to use them correctly. If you have an open-flued gas heater, limit how much you use it and consider safe alternative forms of heating. A ventless fireplace runs on natural gas, including butane or propane, and does not produce the harmful emissions that require a wood-burning fireplace to have a suitable ventilation system. For most units, the on position is identified by the valve lining up with the gas lines. You can use these if you wish. A cabinet heater is an indoor gas heater that is fuelled by an LPG gas bottle, which is housed inside the heater itself. High concentrations of smoke can trigger a range of symptoms. When our sinuses are dry they are more likely to cause problems for allergy sufferers and to attract bacteria that can lead to sinusitis. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Privacy PolicyAffiliate Disclosure. Drink plenty of water. Make sure that the room with the fireplace is well-ventilated. Hi, I'm Luis, one of the creators of warmmass.com. Excess heat in gas fireplaces is very dangerous because it can cause cracking of the gas logs and mantel. This gas is expelled through the mouth (burping) or anus (flatulence). There are potentially serious adverse health effects when you breathe in smoke from wood fires in your home fireplace. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that gas fireplaces cause sinus problems. It can also cause snoring. Because there is no airflow to the outdoors, they do not create the negative pressure problems that can occur with a vented fireplace. Carbon monoxide detectors arent designed to detect gas. Use a humidifier to combat dry air. According to the A.C. Nielsen Company, on average, Americans watch over four hours of television shows per day. The answer is yes and no. Its cold outside, is it possible that I am experiencing allergies? This is why so often you will see people dealing with both sinus pressure and headaches at the same time. Carbon monoxide poisoning wont be stopped if a window is opened. Wood burning fireplaces have a higher risk of injury. If your unit is getting both power and spark, the next phase of the troubleshooting process involves making sure it's receiving gas. These symptoms are characteristic of different medical conditions including nasal congestion due to any cause, hay fever, reactions to indoor allergens, or sinus infections.Increased passing gas is not typically related to respiratory conditions but could be present due to another cause. Sinus sensitivity and. Here are the top four things to remember: 1. And it's probably not a good time for children - especially children with asthma - to be vigorously active outdoors, or active outdoors for prolonged periods of time. Consider buying an audible carbon monoxide alarm that meets EU or US standards. You shouldnt leave a fireplace burning if the source is not present. If you do find a gas heating specialist online, make sure that they are a licensed gasfitter endorsed for gas appliance servicing. Many opt to get gas log fireplaces in their efforts to avoid allergy symptoms, but gas logs can also trigger symptoms. They must also provide the renter with the date of the most recent safety check, in writing, on the request of the renter. Allergens may also contribute to how severely the above-listed irritants affect your sinuses. Have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned every year by a certified professional to make sure there are no gaps, cracks or unwanted drafts and to remove any dangerous creosote buildup. Sinuses are passages that connect your nose, cheeks, forehead, and jaw with the nasal passage. Coffee. This will help ensure that deadly carbon monoxide does not build up in your home. When it comes to safety, its a good idea to open your windows when you use the fireplace. 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. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Gas fireplaces are safe when used correctly, but can be dangerous if not used properly. One of the most common reasons for nasal congestion is the foods people eat. Some people just have variations in their anatomy that creates a longer, narrower path for the transition spaces to drain. Gas accumulates in the digestive tract through eating (swallowing air) or bacterial fermentation. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are non-specific and can be mistaken for a flu-like illness or even food poisoning. If you suffer from sinus problems, you may be wondering if gas fireplaces could be the culprit. When exposed to high levels of radon over extended periods of time, you are more likely to develop lung cancer. If you allow a gas fireplace to stay on for more than three hours at a time, you should lose your job. Top 5 Causes of Sinus Pain. Note: Dont use an air cleaner thatgenerates ozone. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. The flame on your gas fireplace should be about 12 inches high. Gas leaks can be very dangerous and should always be addressed by a professional immediately. Only use a licensed gasfitter who has completed training on detecting and correcting risks of carbon monoxide spillage. Humidifiers are the most effective during during the winter months. If you think you are having a heart attack or stroke, dial 9-1-1. For this, Dr. Bennett recommends installing a HEPA (High-Efficiency Air Particulate) filter in both your bedroom and your office space. You can also enquire with your gas company or search online. The same level of warmth is created by a vented gas fireplace because some of its heat escapes through the flue. High levels of carbon monoxide in the air are very dangerous and may cause people to pass out or even die. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Yes, it can. Its not safe, why? When the cord is plugged straight into the wall, without the adapter, the fireplace can be turned on manually with the switch on the unit itself. Ventless gas logs are supposed to be burned with the damper closed so that carbon monoxide doesnt enter the room. There is a lot of condensation at the window. Do not try to fix the problem yourself leave that to the professionals! Can you make a wood fire in a gas fireplace? A sinus infection can cause mucus and fluid to back up in the throat, which may make the throat itch or feel full. Sinuses are lined with mucous membranes that facilitate this process. What states have banned ventless gas fireplaces? Cold weather and changes in air pressure can increase the risk of sinusitis. Electric units dont work with gas fireplaces because they have real flames. Have your gas heater serviced and tested by an appropriately trained and licensed gasfitter at least once every 2 years. Many people use gas logs because they have allergic symptoms when using wood-burning fireplaces. The size . Clean your heater (when the heater is off and cool) to reduce dust build-up by vacuuming out any duct registers and cold air return vents (the register is the central heating duct opening in each room, which can be seen when the cover grill is lifted). Wood smoke can affect everyone, but the populations known to be at greater risk include: children, teenagers, older adults, people with lung disease -- including asthma and COPD, people with heart disease, outdoor workers, and people of low socioeconomic status, including those who are homeless and with limited access to medical care. Gas fireplaces are actually very safe when used correctly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Particulate masks known as N-95 or P-100 respirators will help, but they must fit well and be used correctly. Snoring/Sleep Apnea, Sinusitis/Balloon Sinuplasty, Eustachian Tube Balloon-plasty, and Tinnitus relief. Most sinus infections start with a cold. It is almost impossible for a ventless fireplace to cause a dangerous level of CO2 concentration in a house. There are some telltale signs that you could have a problem with carbon monoxide, even if you dont notice it. It may lead to explosions and pose serious health hazards that are sometimes even fatal. Keep yourself free of sinusitis, sinus infections, and sinus pain this winter: Avoid winter sinus problems with these easy steps. Get your heating ducts cleaned, and make sure to be away from home for several hours after the cleaning. As smoke gets worse, the concentration of particles in the air increases - and so should the steps you take to protect yourself. Old unflued gas heaters within the home may not meet current emission standards. Use newspaper and small pieces of dry wood to start fires. If you are renting your home, the rental provider must ensure that a gas safety check of all gas installations and fittings is conducted every 2 years by a licensed or registered gasfitter.