Everyone exposed to wood-smoke is at risk of these health effects. However, children, the elderly, and people with preexisting heart or lung conditions are most at risk. These risks are compounded during winter, when cold air is trapped near the ground causing an inversion, which prevents the smoke from dissipating. To read more in-depth about wood smoke’s effect on health, click here.

These health risks are especially prevalent during winter months, when cold weather leads to increased wood burning and inversions. An inversion is a phenomenon in which a layer of warm air traps cold air close to the Earth’s surface. Usually, air temperature decreases as you increase in altitude. During an inversion, the opposite is true. This blanket of warm air acts as a cap and prevents the air near the surface, and pollutants, from mixing with the atmosphere. During inversions health risks are notably high, as smoke particulates and car exhaust are trapped near the surface for people to breathe.

Pollutants in the air released from wood burning include PM 2.5 and PM 10. PM stands for “Particulate Matter”, while the number refers to the diameter of the particle in micrometers. PM 2.5 is a very fine, inhalable particle that is 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair. Its small size makes it extremely likely to infiltrate the lungs and damage the respiratory system. You can read more about particulate matter, where it comes from, and its affects, at the EPA’s Website. 

Driftwood is especially dangerous when burnt, as it is very saline from soaking in salt water, before landing on our beaches. The extra salt stored in this wood releases heavy amounts of dioxin when burned, a known carcinogen that could seriously impact your long-term health.