DEQ warns Pima County residents about wood-burning fireplaces
Web Producer: Ashley Guttuso
TUCSON(KGUN9-TV) - The Pima County DEQ is warning residents about the potentially harmful effects of fireplaces as the seasons begin to change and temperatures drop.
The DEQ says wood smoke contains hundreds of chemical compounds that are harmful to young children, babies, pregnant women, and those who have respiratory diseases. The pollutants can cause nose, throat, and eye irritation as well as nausea and headaches for some people.
The DEQ also says that fireplace smoke can cause irregular heart beats, shortness of breath, and chest pain to residents who are susceptible.
The smoke can also worsen asthma symptoms and cause lung inflammation. Pneumonia also becomes a threat to young children when they are exposed.
The DEQ recommends having your chimney seasonally cleaned and to burn woods like oak, mesquite, and pecan rather than pine, fir, or cedar.
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