Do you use an open fire or wood burning stove?

Scientists say lighting a cosy fire at home is bad for your health and can be as dangerous as a building site because of carbon emissions.

Lighting a fire at home may create a cosy atmosphere – but the warmth and glow now come with a health warning.

Scientists say householders should put on a mask before striking a match in their fireplace, or risk inhaling harmful fumes.

They say a family fireside can be as dangerous as a mine or building site when it comes to carbon emissions.

A potentially damaging number of particles are released, particularly when a fire is lit and as logs are first added. And it can take three hours to clear the pollution, after opening a window, a study led by Leon University in Spain found.

The results show the most pollution is caused when a fire is lit and when logs are piled on for the first time. Wood which has problems starting to burn creates a lot of smoke.

Small particles have been shown to reduce lung function, cause cardiovascular problems and make them less resistant to infections, with the study warning they can pose a ‘significant risk to human health’. The amount of inhalable particles reached 483 micrograms per cubic metre of air, similar to the mining industry according to the research.

How do you feel about this latest health warning? Do you use an open fire or wood burning stove? Will you think twice when you strike your next match? Do you take note of new research generally or disregard reports such as this?