WOOD SMOKE AND YOUR HEALTH

Wood smoke may smell good, but it's not good for you.

Take steps to protect your health and the air we breathe.

Tiny particles in wood smoke can affect your health

*

i



Cardiovascular Effects
Can increase the risk of:

•	Heart attack

•	Irregular heartbeat

•	Heart failure

•	Stroke

•	Early death.

Respiratory Effects

May cause the following:

•	Trigger an asthma attack

•	Aggravate other lung
diseases

•	Early death.

You may be at
increased risk if you
are in any of these
groups:

•	Have heart or lung disease, or related risk
factors, such as diabetes or obesity

•	Are an older adult (65 and older)

•	Are a child or teenager

•	Are pregnant

•	Work outdoors

Four ways to reduce wood smoke

DID YOU KNOW?

One old inefficient
wood stove can pollute
as much as 15 old diesel
dump trucks.

©

©

Use a cleaner heating
device like a heat
pump, gas stove, or
EPA-certified wood
pellet stove.

Burn dry, seasoned
wood for a hotter
fire and less
smoke.

©

Test your wood with a
wood moisture meter,
(20% moisture or less
burns best).

Provide sufficient
air to the fire; never
let it smolder.

Learn more at www.epa.gov/burnwise



Burn Wise

Program of U.S. EPA

August 2022
\rtrr* EPA-456/H-22-001

-------