Cuddling up in front of a warm fireplace during the winter months may help keep you warm, but it may also be hazardous to your health.
According to the New York Times, environmental advocates and health experts say wood-burning fireplaces create pollution and cause breathing problems.
"We now know from lots of studies that wood smoke is very, very irritating," The American Lung Association's chief medical officer Dr. Norman Edelman told the news provider. "It contains a lot of irritating gases and it also contains damaging particulate matter. It's probably not good for anybody, and it's especially bad for anybody who has a chronic respiratory problem."
Instead of turning to old fashioned fire to keep warm, individuals may want to consider a healthier, energy-efficient alternative like an infrared space heater.
Both the iHeater and the Sunheat Heater heat the home by distributing warmth through moisture in the home. This allows them to warm the home without drying out the air, and helps distribute the heat evenly throughout large spaces.
The iHeater heats up to 1,500 square feet, while the Sunheat Heater heats areas between 800 and 1,000 square feet.
