Treated or Painted Wood
Painted wood and lumber that are treated to resist rot and pests can release toxic chemicals when burned. This includes pallets and leftover construction materials.
“These chemicals can also be more corrosive to your firebox and chimney flue, leading to damage,” says Dan Morris, founder of
FireandSaw.com
.
Is burning treated or painted wood in the fireplace dangerous?
Yes, it is dangerous. Numerous chemicals can be released from burning these, including arsenic and lead, which can cause health problems ranging from irritated lungs, eyes and skin to cancer and other diseases.
Furniture
Furniture is often treated and painted, automatically putting it on the no-burn list. But it can also contain nails and screws that can cause cuts and punctures while you’re breaking it apart, feeding the fire and cleaning out the ashes.
Is burning furniture in the fireplace dangerous?
Yes. “Furniture is a mix of different wooden materials and sometimes you don’t even know exactly what it contains,” says Nikolin. “Burning it releases a mix of chemicals and toxins, posing a dramatic risk to your health.”
Particle Board
While particle board falls under the same categories as treated wood and furniture for what not to burn in your fireplace, it’s getting a separate mention here because “burning particle board is an especially bad idea,” says Nikolin. “It is full of adhesives and chemicals that release harmful toxins when burned.”
Can burning chipboard in the fireplace be hazardous?
Indeed, burning particleboard poses risks as it emits numerous chemicals that may lead to both immediate and prolonged health issues.
Moldy or Rotting Wood
When you burn moldy or decomposing wood, it releases spores into the atmosphere, potentially causing breathing problems. Additionally, such wood is less heavy and contains more moisture compared to standard firewood, leading to reduced heat output and increased smoking. Furthermore, from an ethical standpoint regarding nature conservation, gathering this type of wood poses concerns since fallen trees and branches frequently serve as homes for nesting birds and various wildlife species.
Is lighting moldy or decayed timber in the fireplace hazardous?
Setting fire to moldy or decaying wood can pose some risks because it might include fungi and bacteria that can cause irritation in your eyes and throat.
Wet Wood
Lumber containing high levels of moisture, also known as freshly cut timber that hasn’t undergone drying processes.
properly seasoned
, will Smoke Heavily, Resulting in
dangerous creosote buildup
On the walls of your chimney. Additionally, it’s extremely challenging to ignite (this is another reason why you should avoid cutting down a tree).
at a campsite
).
Can lighting damp timber on fire inside your hearth be hazardous?
Certainly, burning damp timber poses risks. As Glenn Gault, the CEO of the company, explains, “Burning moist or fresh wood generates too much smoke and leads to an accumulation of creosote, posing a significant fire risk.”
Gault Heating & Cooling
.
Driftwood
This particular fact often shocks folks, and for me personally, it has led to a few disputes at the beach.
camping
Driftwood from the ocean includes salt, and when burned, it produces chlorine gas along with dioxins, both of which can be harmful to your well-being and damaging to your chimney.
Can setting driftwood ablaze in the hearth be hazardous?
Certainly. The smoke produced by burning driftwood is carcinogenic. Although all types of wood contain trace amounts of dioxins, these harmful substances are significantly more prevalent in ocean driftwood.
Newspaper and Cardboard
It’s nearly impossible to resist throwing an old pizza box or Sunday newspaper into the fireplace, yet doing so could result in slow-burning embers being carried up the chimney. This may lead to a chimney fire, a rooftop blaze, or even start a larger wildland fire.
One exception:
It’s typically acceptable to use a narrow roll of firmly compressed newspaper as an ignition aid.
start a fire
.
Can lighting paper and cardboard in the fireplace be hazardous?
Certainly. Particularly when present in significant amounts, items with wood pulp often shed sizable sparks, potentially igniting a residential blaze.
Glossy Paper
Just as you would with newspapers and cardboard, lighting fires using shiny materials such as magazines, gift wrap, candy wrappers, and chocolate box containers can lead to home blazes. Furthermore, paper printed with colorful inks emits harmful fumes upon combustion.
Can lighting shiny paper in the fireplaces be hazardous?
Yes,” states Nikolin, “although these appear to be paper-based, they actually consist of a combination of plastic, shiny or tinted inks, and metallic foils. This mixture generates substantial amounts of smoke and residue that can obstruct your chimney, along with hazardous substances that pose risks to human health.
Plastics and Synthetic Materials
Certainly, you’re aware of this, but always remember, absolutely do not burn plastics. These materials contain numerous harmful chemicals known as carcinogens. When burned, these substances can be released into the air, affecting both those directly exposed and individuals much further away who might inhale the fumes.
Regardless of whether you’re dealing with plastic bags, bubble wrap, plastic bottles, Styrofoam, or cigarette butts, never toss them into the fireplace. Additionally, keep in mind that certain takeout food containers may seem like they’re made from paper, but often feature a thin layer of plastic lining underneath.
Is lighting plastic along with other synthetic materials in the fireplaces hazardous?
Absolutely, when burned, these substances include harmful chemicals that can be inhaled, with numerous being cancer-causing agents.
Dryer Lint
I have always appreciated dryer lint for its ability to start fires, but I was quite let down upon discovering that it shouldn’t be burned in your fireplace—or anywhere else, really. This is partly due to the fact that it includes microplastics from clothes; polyester and nylon are both types of plastics, and over sixty percent of our garments are crafted from these materials. Additionally, since dryer lint ignites very easily, it poses significant risks as a fuel source.
Can setting fire to dryer lint in the fireplace be hazardous?
Certainly. The artificial fibers present in dryer lint have the potential to emit hazardous chemical vapors inside your house and chimney.
Charcoal
It appears obvious to use some charcoal from the barbecue grill in the fireplace, yet this action releases carbon monoxide, a gas you wouldn’t want circulating indoors. Despite having proper ventilation in your fireplace, your home’s air filtration system might struggle to handle the additional emissions produced by burning charcoal.
Can using charcoal in the fireplace be hazardous?
Certainly. Charcoal emits notably high amounts of carbon monoxide when burned, which is an extremely dangerous gas since it is both odorless and invisible, making detection impossible without proper equipment.
Some Plants
Wilted plants resemble firewood somewhat, and particularly following the holiday season, it appears straightforward to discard ornaments such as holly, mistletoe, eucalyptus, and dried magnolia leaves into the fireplace. However, according to Nikolin, several of these items may lead to allergies upon inhalation of their fumes, along with potential flare-ups and substantial smoke production.
Can setting firewood in the fireplace be hazardous?
This depends on the type of plant. According to Gault, you should avoid burning invasive plants or vines like poison ivy, poison oak, or sumac—even when they’re dry—since these releases oils that can cause irritation to both your lungs and skin. Additionally, inhaling oleander smoke poses significant risks.
Christmas Trees
It makes sense to dispose of your old Christmas tree by burning it in the fireplace, but you should avoid doing so. The wood from these trees isn’t adequately dried out, and they have high amounts of flammable sap in both the branches and needles. This could cause extremely hot flames, potentially leading to a dangerous chimney fire or damaging your chimney.
Can setting fire to Christmas trees in the fireplace be hazardous?
Indeed, they have the potential to start house fires. “The needles may burst into flames and emit sparks, which could ignite nearby materials, and they tend to combust rapidly and irregularly, frequently resulting in flare-ups within the fireplace,” according to Nikolin.
Leftover Food
According to Nikolin, leftover food isn’t as innocent as one might think. He explains, “For starters, it emits a foul odor when it catches fire.” Moreover, he points out, “The scent from burning leftovers disperses over a large area around your premises and lures pests, particularly rodents, into your house.” Additionally, remnants of food can adhere to your chimney, providing easy access for mice and rats.
Can burning remaining food in the fireplace be hazardous?
Cooking food in your fireplace isn’t hazardous, however, it might produce unpleasant odors and lure unwanted critters.
Scented Candles
Although scented candles brighten up other areas of your house, avoid using them in your fireplace. They include artificial fragrances and colorants that emit harmful substances when burned. Additionally, the liquefied wax may accumulate inside your fireplace or chimney, leading to blockages, inadequate airflow, and less effective combustion, according to Nikolin.
Can burning aromatic candles in the fireplace be hazardous?
A little. They release
volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) that can lead to various health issues, such as exacerbating asthma.
Old Photographs
Feeling inclined to metaphorically start anew by burning all those pictures of your former flame as depicted in films? Think again, advises Nikolin. He explains, “Primarily, vintage photographs contain chemicals and plastics that emit toxic smoke when set ablaze.” Additionally, he notes, “In nearly every instance, individuals end up remorseful after discarding irreplaceable old photos.”
Can burning vintage photos in the fireplace be harmful?
Indeed, much like other processed papers, these include plastics and chemical treatments that generate harmful smoke when ignited.
Fire Accelerants
Are you annoyed by how long it takes?
start a fire
Although using accelerants such as gasoline, grill starter fluid, or kerosene may appear to be a simple solution, these extremely combustible substances can make a fire spiral out of control and reach temperatures too intense for your fireplace and chimney.
Can using fire accelerants be hazardous when burning wood in the fireplace?
Indeed, they have the potential to rapidly make a fire spiral out of control, posing a risk to your house and the structural soundness of your chimney.
About the Experts
-
Sergey Nikolin
is president of
Heating & Cooling of Product Air
In Washington state, he founded this venture alongside his sibling in 2019, leveraging his deep expertise in HVAC technology, indoor air quality management, and electrical systems. -
Glenn Gault
is the CEO of
Gault Heating & Cooling
, a family-run enterprise founded in 1955 by his father. Gault enjoys imparting his knowledge to homeowners and has appeared in numerous well-known magazines and journals. -
Dan Morris
founded
FireandSaw.com
where he offers professional perspectives on all things related to firewood, wood stoves, and chainsaws.
