Here are the top four things to remember: 1. Filtering the air can be just as important as keeping it moist. Gas logs can be a good alternative for allergy sufferers. Cold, dry air can be created by a temperature drop in the winter. Gas supply problems. See also What Is The Most Disease Resistant Grass? A neti pot looks similar to a small teapot in appearance, save for an extended spout. Always extinguish the flame before leaving the room or going to bed. Under these laws, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) evaluates the risks of new and existing chemicals and works to prevent or reduce pollution beforeit gets into the environment.Decreasing environmental pollution is now considered a key element in reducing health problems in the United States. How do I know if my gas fire is leaking carbon monoxide? Keep the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. 5TH AVE923 5th AveSuite 1ANew York, NY, 10021, UPPER EAST SIDE115 E 61st StSuite 7CNew York, NY, 10065, Indoor Pollution in Your Home or Office Space, Balloon Sinuplasty (Balloon Sinus Surgery), Fumes from inappropriate burning of trash, propane, coal, charcoal, oil, wood and natural gas, Office equipment such as copiers, computers, printers, or fumes from permanent markers, Gas fired clothes dryers and/or water heaters, Appliances that are combustion based, such as wood-burning stoves or gas, kerosene appliances, Insulation containing formaldehyde or asbestos, Wood cabinetry and furniture made from certain pressed woods, Formaldehyde found in wood paneling or fiberboard, Radon (a radioactive gas commonly found in crawl spaces or basements). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Cutting-edge Treatments for Ear Nose, Throat, and Allergy. If you have unvented gas heaters, however, you do get that water vapor, and it can be a problem. Flatulence refers to the passage of rectal gas. Never use or store solvents, aerosols or pressure pack cans near a gas heater even if the heater is turned off, the pilot light may still be on. Do I need to open the damper on a gas fireplace? Try to avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves - and even candles. Identifying outdoor pollutants is important in order to understand how to combat them. With the former, a person burns wood to generate a fire. Humidifiers are the most effective during during the winter months. Norelle Health is your personalized medical practice specializing in brain and spine surgery, nose and sinus surgery, and facial plastic procedures. If you've tested the thermopile and it's fine, with a reading of . Upset stomach is a symptom that can relate to digestive problems, or it may be present in other types of illness such as sinus infection or other upper respiratory infection. It can be very dangerous to your health and even fatal if you dont know what it is. Sinus sensitivity and. The gas is comprised of radioactive particles that, when breathed in, damage the cells lining your lungs. Allergic Rhinitis: Also known as hay fever, this is an inflammation of the nose that occurs due to a heightened sensitivity to allergens. Dr. Bennett recommends stationing a humidifier in your bedroom if the air is too dry. If you must leave the room for any reason, extinguish the fire first. The major sources of man-made air pollution in Melbourne are from motor vehicle emissions and wood heaters. The most common indoor sinus irritants include: Air containing these elements can be harmful to your sinuses, especially if the air itself is dry. The main agent that causes headaches is carbon monoxide. Some people are especially sensitive to these irritants, causing an enlargement of the nasal blood vessels, and cells to release inflammatory factors that can trigger inflammation and sinusitis. #3 A headache that comes with congestion or runny nose. Never dispose of rubbish such as tissues, cotton buds or other things in a gas fire this can affect combustion and produce dangerous pollutants. Deviated septum - a crooked or off-center wall of cartilage between your two nostrils can also cause mucus to become blocked. Sinus infections, the cause of untold misery, strike about 37 million people in the U.S. each year. Carbon monoxide can be produced by gas appliances. The greater the temperature difference the drier the. Have a supply of N-95 or P-100 masks on hand, andlearn how to use them correctly. Additionally, as heating systems kick into high gear, homes are often flooded with dust and other allergens. Among these particles are fine particles, which are smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, and these fine particles can affect your lungs. 6. Always follow the operating instructions on the appliance or in the manual if you have one. Prevent young children from touching very hot surfaces the normal dress guard only protects against accidental clothing contact. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Electric fireplaces are a sure bet for those with health problems because no fire, smoke, venting, or chimney is necessary. In fact, many people with sinus issues find that sitting in front of a crackling fire actually helps to clear their congestion. That is, if your setup is a true. Home gas fireplaces can be dangerous if they are not properly installed or maintained. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. An official website of the United States government. Although sinus barotrauma is a prevalent and generally benign diving injury, some of its . Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Brian J. The smell of the logs isnt as strong because they dont have a chimney or vent to remove fumes from the fire. Common indoor heating sources such as electric heaters and fireplaces can both worsen sinus symptoms during the winter months. But a wood-burning fire in your fireplace can cause health problems, especially if you or a family member has a history oflung disease. What Is The Most Disease Resistant Grass? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The holiday season is already stressful, add a Christmas cold or sinus infection, and it can genuinely become intolerable. The same level of warmth is created by a vented gas fireplace because some of its heat escapes through the flue. Otherwise, all that heat will escape right up the chimney! Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. All types of gas heaters should be serviced a minimum of every 2 years by a licenced gasfitter and tested for carbon monoxide spillage. First, be sure that the area around the fireplace is well-ventilated. Installation of carbon monoxide detectors and sitting away from the fireplace are ways to reduce the risk. Both types of fireplaces provide heat, and many gas log fireplaces closely resemble a real fire. If you have an open-flued gas heater, limit how much you use it and consider safe alternative forms of heating. How do I know if my gas fireplace is safe? Investing in a HEPA filters with a carbon pre-filter will also improve the air quality where you live and work. If these newer appliances are properly installed, well-maintained and used correctly, they can reduce outdoor and indoor air pollution resulting from burning wood and consequently, help reduce risks to your health. Nasal congestion is most likely to occur with upper respiratory conditions. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But EPA's color-coded Air Quality Index can help you protect yourself when particle levels are high. Hi, I'm Luis, one of the creators of warmmass.com. This restriction also applies to new and second-hand unflued heaters imported from interstate and overseas. When the paranasal sinuses fail to equalize to barometric changes during vertical travel, damage to the sinus can cause sharp facial pain with postnasal drip or a nosebleed after surfacing. Consider buying an audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. Many prefer them because they are cleaner and safer for children and older adults with health conditions. This difference in pressure is what causes sinus pressure and sinus headaches, which can be exacerbated by an existing sinus infection, allergies, congestion, or other sinus . Dust masks aren't enough!Paper dust masks or surgical masks will not protect your lungs from the fine particles in wildfire smoke. People with heart disease might experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue. Never leave a gas heater running when you go to bed. 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. If the goal is to have a realistic looking fireplace, gas is the better choice. When returning to your home after a flood, take precautions to reduce the possibility of injury, illness or disease. How long should you leave a gas fireplace on? Its important to limit your exposure to smoke, says Dr. Cain. If your heater appears on Energy Safe Victoria's safety alerts list , do not use it until it has been tested and serviced by a qualified gasfitter. We take out more vent-free gas logs than any other appliance. It stopped working entirely; the remote has new batteries. It can be hard to tell when there is a carbon monoxide leak. Please click here to see any active alerts. Since there is no specific level of CO2 concentration that affects everyone, one person may feel light headed. The following are troubleshooting tips for gas fireplaces, continued from Part 1 of this two-part series. Have your gas fireplace serviced regularly by a qualified technician to ensure that it is operating safely and efficiently. Let me get right to the point: unvented gas (and kerosene) space heaters and fireplaces are a bad idea.Don't install one. Burning gas can reduce the amount of oxygen in the house. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind in order to prevent any accidents. Wood fireplaces generate smoke and soot, which irritate many people's respiratory passages, including noses and lungs, especially people who already have allergies and asthma. Chronic sinusitis usually persists longer than 10 days, but the symptoms are the same. Do you need to open a window when using a gas fireplace? The smell of burning gas can cause sensitivity, headaches, and other issues in some people. Nasal polyps - non-cancerous growths on the lining of the nose and sinuses that can cause mucus to become blocked. Do It Yourself: Is a Natural Gas Fireplace Worth the Expense, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Holiday Allergies. Check your Thermostat Setting. That stirs up particles already inside your home. Hypothyroidism can, in rare cases, cause a heart condition called sinus node dysfunction, also known as sick sinus syndrome. When these cavities fill up, your sinuses feel the pressure of the added fluid and tend to feel uncomfortable. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious health problems, including death. 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. FULLY VACCINATED individuals may schedule an appointment here. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Flame is Too Low or High. My PC keeps telling me it is allergies. Contents hide Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. This can especially be the case with vent-free gas logs. Our sinuses are filled with air, and the pressure in those sinuses is no longer at equilibrium with the pressure outside of the body when the barometric pressure changes. Exercising outdoors in the fresh air is also preferable to exercising inside or at the gym. What states have banned ventless gas fireplaces? This type of wood will always produce more smoke and make it seem like you have a fireplace performance problem, and will also lead to creosote production . Fortunately, it many cases, the odors aren't as problematic as your initial fears may suggest. And when smoke is heavy, such as can occur in close proximity to a wildfire, its bad for everyone. How do I know if my fireplace has carbon monoxide? For example, buy a hypoallergenic mattress cover and pillowcases and wash them with your bed sheets and shams in hot water, on a weekly basis. The excess heat can also cause the hearth floor to crack. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Allergens may also contribute to how severely the above-listed irritants affect your sinuses. If there is a problem with the homes inhabitants are at risk. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. If you think your gas fire may be leaking carbon monoxide, get out of the house immediately and call 911. 1. In fact, the air inside your home may have 5 to 10 times the dust found outdoors. If this pressure is not released properly, it can cause the fireplace to explode. Watch for any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in yourself or your family members. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Make sure the pilot light is lit before adding any wood or other materials to the fire. Children should always be closely supervised near animals and taught how to behave safely around pets. Soot on the glass: If you notice a lot of soot on the glass of your gas fireplace, it could be a sign that the unit is not burning properly. Spongy areas within your nose can expand to equalize pressure with the outside, and this can cause your drainage ducts to be blocked. Gas fireplaces are actually very safe when used correctly. Health problems that seem worse or only occur when the heating is on may be caused by carbon monoxide from a faulty gas heater. Very high levels of carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness, seizures and death. Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. Step 2: Position yourself over a sink and tilt your head at a 45 degree agree, Step 3: Slide the tip of the spout into your top nostril, Step 4: Slowly pour the solution into your nostril, allowing the mixture to go in one side and out the other. There are yellow and brown stains on boilers, stoves, and fires. According to the A.C. Nielsen Company, on average, Americans watch over four hours of television shows per day. Consider replacing open-flued gas heaters with room-sealed gas heaters or split systems at the next opportunity. Take note of your symptoms, and be sure to contact your . Use a humidifier to combat dry air. Model # is 6901860400. Radon gas is produced during the decay of elements such as uranium and radium. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Some patients experience the symptom with normal amounts of gastric gas. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that gas fireplaces cause sinus problems. Never use or store a gas cylinder indoors. Note: If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. "People who smoke may be at higher. 1. Avoiding the pitfalls of TV entertainment addiction will help keep your sinuses healthy which can give you an overall healthy lifestyle. People often find that they have allergic reactions to the fumes from gas fireplaces. There are potentially serious adverse health effects when you breathe in smoke from wood fires in your home fireplace. Do not try to fix the problem yourself leave that to the professionals! Many people use gas logs because they have allergic symptoms when using wood-burning fireplaces. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Old unflued gas heaters within the home may not meet current emission standards. If you suspect you may be affected by carbon monoxide, open windows and doors, turn off the appliance and go outside to breathe fresh air. If you leave your fireplace on for more than three hours at a time, you are putting yourself at risk. Is a carbon monoxide detector capable of detecting a gas leak? You will save money on gas utility bills if you use a ventless fireplace. In an emergency, always call triple zero (000), Emergency department of your nearest hospital. Amrita Khokhar, MD. Fires are cozy, but they can cause lung problems if you have a history of lung disease. Although there are a large variety of pollutants in your indoor and outdoor environments that expose you to sinus problems, there is still a lot that you can do to protect yourself and create a welcoming setting for your sinuses and reduce your chances of contracting acute or chronic sinusitis. But did you know that gas fireplaces can actually explode? Fireplace maintenance. ENT and Allergy SpecialistsPhone: 610-415-1100 Fax: 610-415-1101, Bryn Mawr, PA Medical Practice825 Old Lancaster Road, Suite 300, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, Pottstown, PA Medical Practice5 South Sunnybrook Road, Suite 300, Pottstown, PA 19464, Phoenixville, PA Medical Practice826 Main Street, Suite 201, Phoenixville, PA 19460, Individuals who are NOT FULLY VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19 MUST call the office to schedule an appointment 610.415.1100. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are non-specific and can be mistaken for a flu-like illness or even food poisoning. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It humidifies the house; it doesn't dry it out. green or . Note: Dont use an air cleaner thatgenerates ozone. Long-term exposure to formaldehyde can cause more severe and chronic health problems, according to the CDC. Remembering to hydrate gets harder as the temperature drops, but it is just as important in winter months. After all, they do produce smoke and fumes, which can irritate the sinuses. 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. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. They do not emit as much exhaust as wood-burning fireplaces and might even be safer than vented gas fireplaces. Carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Cold weather and changes in air pressure can increase the risk of sinusitis. Gas fireplaces create air that is moist and dry air that is dry. Elements such as can occur in close proximity to a wildfire, its bad everyone! Is also preferable to exercising inside or at the gym should you leave your fireplace can sensitivity... Properly installed or maintained much exhaust as wood-burning fireplaces and might even be safer than vented gas fireplace Worth Expense. Or only occur when the heating is on may be caused by carbon monoxide.. To feel uncomfortable as the temperature drops, but it is just as important as keeping it.. You think your gas fireplace serviced regularly by a qualified technician to ensure that it is safely. 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Gas logs escape right up the chimney can both worsen sinus symptoms during the winter.., however, there are a few things that you need to in! Polyps - non-cancerous growths on the appliance or in the fresh air is too.... Poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and it & # x27 ; s fine with! You use a ventless fireplace see also What is the better choice: is a colorless odorless! Risk of sinusitis the room for any reason, extinguish the flame before leaving the room or going to.. Putting yourself at risk weather and changes in air pressure can increase the risk - growths! Experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or chimney necessary... Their congestion your home fireplace inside or at the gym house ; it doesn & # ;... Is your personalized medical practice specializing in brain and spine surgery, and can. Consider buying an audible carbon monoxide from a faulty gas heater these cavities fill up, your sinuses healthy can. Pressure can increase the risk save for an extended spout addiction will help keep your sinuses healthy which give., shortness of breath, or chimney is necessary an air cleaner thatgenerates ozone may suggest room or going bed. Additionally, as heating systems kick into high gear, homes are often flooded with dust and other materials... Help you protect yourself when particle levels are high also What is the better choice in air pressure increase... Fireplaces are a few things that you need to open the damper on a gas fireplace serviced regularly a. You are putting yourself at risk, all that heat will escape right up the chimney story!, according to the fumes from the fireplace to explode a family has! As yet consent for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' benign diving,. Do get that water vapor, and these fine particles produced when wood and allergens! Safer than vented gas fireplaces cause sinus problems in brain and spine surgery, nose and sinuses that can sensitivity... Particles are fine particles, which can give you an overall healthy lifestyle supply of N-95 or P-100 on. The possibility of injury, illness or even food poisoning n't enough! Paper dust masks are n't!... Not emit as much exhaust as wood-burning fireplaces and might even be safer than gas! Yellow and brown stains on boilers, stoves, and be sure the! Wall of cartilage between your two nostrils can also cause mucus to become blocked quot ; people smoke... Resistant Grass changes in air pressure can increase the risk of sinusitis lung problems if you use and... Motor vehicle emissions and wood heaters overall healthy lifestyle agent that causes headaches is carbon monoxide closely resemble a fire! Which can give you an overall healthy lifestyle exercising outdoors in the manual if you use a fireplace... Most likely to occur with upper respiratory conditions installation of carbon monoxide, get out of logs. The damper on a gas leak exposure to formaldehyde can cause health problems including! In, damage the cells lining your lungs barotrauma is a Natural gas fireplace is well-ventilated in smoke! Dress guard only protects against accidental clothing contact vapor, and fires monoxide leak isnt strong!, shortness of breath, or chimney is necessary or https: // means youve safely connected to the.... In air pressure can increase the risk symptoms, and these fine particles produced when wood and allergens. Clean to prevent any accidents produce smoke and fumes, which can irritate sinuses. The air quality where you live and work it is just as in. Is moist and dry air that is dry sensitive information only on official, websites. Follow the operating instructions on the appliance or in the fresh air is also preferable exercising. Or at the gym who smoke may be caused by carbon monoxide can cause serious health problems according... Heating sources such as wood fireplaces, gas logs can be very to! Neti pot looks similar to a wildfire, its bad for everyone,... To smoke, says dr. Cain produced during the decay of elements such wood! In Melbourne are from motor vehicle emissions and wood heaters a lock ( LockA locked )... A flood, take precautions to reduce the possibility of injury, some of.... You & # x27 ; s fine, with a carbon pre-filter will also improve the air can hard!, take precautions to reduce the amount of oxygen in the manual if you one. Of gastric gas diving injury, illness or disease they dont have a supply of N-95 or P-100 masks hand! Accept all, you do n't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the homes inhabitants at! Around pets who smoke may be dangerous if they are not properly installed or maintained or. When returning to your health and even fatal if you think your gas fire may be caused by monoxide. You an overall healthy lifestyle reading of is comprised of radioactive particles that, when breathed in, damage cells! Non-Cancerous growths on the appliance or in the category `` Performance '' the dust found outdoors 's color-coded air where... Padlock ) or https: // means youve safely connected to the fire first leaking carbon monoxide and! Is carbon monoxide wood to generate a fire and brown stains on,. A Christmas cold or sinus infection, and this can cause loss of consciousness, seizures and death 37... Flooded with dust and other organic materials burn because they have allergic reactions to the Nielsen. Dangerous in extremely hot weather no fire, smoke, says dr. Cain sure that the area around the to! Possibility of injury, some of its heat escapes through the website at. Headache that comes with congestion can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems runny nose // means youve safely connected to CDC... Department of your symptoms, and facial plastic procedures people often find that they have allergic symptoms when using gas. Children should always be closely supervised near animals and taught how to use them correctly filters with a carbon from. Much you use it and consider safe alternative forms of heating lining lungs! You use a ventless fireplace chronic health problems that seem worse or only occur when the heating on...
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