Wood Smoke Health Effects

The effects of woodsmoke on the health of BC residents are not trivial. A 1993 report to the Provincial Health Officer by Dr. Sverre Vidal of UBC shows that smoke concentrations in many BC communities are high enough to cause adverse respiratory health effects. It also states that increases in smoke pollution in those communities will produce measurable health degradation, including increased illness, absenteeism, hospitalization, and even premature death. For these reasons, it is important for anyone who operates a wood stove to understand the effects of smoke, and to control it.

What's in Smoke and How Can It Hurt You?

Harmful Gases

• Acrolein - irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract.
• Formaldehyde - headaches, respiratory tract irritation. Probably carcinogenic.
• Carbon Monoxide - angina in people with heart disease, lethal at high concentrations.
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) - bronchial congestion, fluid congestion and fibrotic changes in the lungs.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - respiratory irritation and illness; some VOCs (e.g. benzene) are carcinogenic.
• Dioxins and Furans - probably carcinogenic.

Harmful Particulates

• Fine Particulate Matter - increased respiratory illness, cardiovascular stress, aggravation of asthma and other lung diseases, and early mortality.
• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) - prolonged exposure is believed to pose a cancer risk.