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Wood burning in this country has been a long-standing tradition, furnishing these homes with warmth and atmosphere. That said, it’s not simply dumping logs into a fireplace—there is depth to it. The heating of 11.5 million U.S. households utilizes Wood as a sole or secondary source of heat, and it is thus an integral part of the U.S. energy mix, especially in rural areas.
Over 25,000 chimney fires occur annually in the U.S., causing nearly 125 million dollars in property loss. Selecting the wrong types of Wood can release harmful chemicals and be dangerous; the key to safe and effective wood burning is choosing the suitable Wood. Keep reading to learn about the kinds of Wood you shouldn’t burn to keep your fire safe and efficient.
Pine
Because it ignites so quickly, pine is a popular choice for kindling. It is a softwood with a high resin content, though. Generally, a pine tree will produce 1–4 kg of gum resin yearly.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America noted that creosote is a highly flammable byproduct that can result in a chimney fire. If you’re using pineine, limit it to kindling and keep your chimney well-maintained. Additionally, you can use it in woodworking projects, garden mulching, or unique furniture pieces.
Cedar
Cedarwood smells pleasant in small amounts for aromatic use. But it’s a softwood with a high oil content that produces intense popping and crackling. The U.S. Forest Service says the volatile oils in cedar can even ignite your chimney if you’re not careful.
The Wood also lets out toxic fumes crammed full of hydrocarbons that can irritate the eyes and the respiratory system. Cedar’s rich color and pleasant scent make it a fabulous workhorse for furniture or decorative pieces. Cedar shavings are good mulch, death on insects and they take moisture.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is full of oil. When I light it, I get lots of sparks. Oregon State University says this oil-rich Wood can create excessive sparking and cause chimney fires or wild flare-ups.
Eucalyptus emits biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC), such as monoterpenes and isoprene, which are not conducive to indoor air quality. But it’s great for essential oils or potpourri. It can be used as mulch or be added to your compost pile, enriching your soil while keeping your plants thriving.
Moldy Wood
“Wood is wood, right?” Well, not quite! When burned, rotten Wood can release toxic spores and nasty compounds into the air. Burning moldy Wood can exacerbate respiratory problems and indoor pollution, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
It doesn’t possess the dense energy content found in dry, seasoned Wood. As the U.S. Forest Service points out, rotten Wood contains about half as many BTUs or British thermal units as seasoned hardwood. You can toss it into a well-maintained compost pile, which breaks down naturally and boosts nutrients for your plants.
Toxic Plants
For example, take the mighty poison ivy. Suppose the oil urushiol, which causes that frustrating itchy rash, is set ablaze by the fire. In that case, the smoke can carry it into your respiratory system, putting you at risk for severe respiratory problems and a trip to the E.R.
The American Academy of Dermatology says urushiol can remain potent even when airborne. Poison oak, oleander, and poison sumac are other baddies that follow the same rule; when they’re burned, they, too, release irritating oils. Instead of burning them, you should wrap them in plastic bags and put them in the trash.
Endangered Wood
Some types of Wood, like Brazilian Rosewood and Mahogany, are on the Red List. According to the State of the World’s Trees, 30 percent (17,500) of the world’s 60,000 species of trees are threatened with extinction because of overharvesting and habitat loss.
Among those most threatened are magnolias, oaks, maples, and ebonies. The Lignum Vitae (“Tree of Life”) is so strong and dense that it has been extensively used to build ships and make machinery. It’s endangered now.
Old or Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressure-treated Wood is usually laced with chemicals such as arsenic, chromium, and copper, which are used to prevent wood rot and insect damage. Burning such Wood releases these harmful chemicals into the air. A University of Florida study showed that small amounts of arsenic released into the air can harm humans and wildlife.
It’s suitable for outdoor projects like constructing raised beds or a stylish garden shed. If you don’t do outdoor projects, recycling it properly in a designated facility makes sense.
Particleboard or Plywood
It’s made by gluing wood chips, sawdust, or wooden scrap with solid adhesives. When burned, these materials become hugely toxic and release a cocktail of chemical toxins. The theformaldehyde-basedd resins used to bind it are combusted and throw off fumes you don’t want to inhale.
Exposure to such fumes can lead to respiratory illnesses, skin irritation, or even long-term health problems, such as upcycled projects or DIY crafts. If you are not in the project moo,d Earth911 suggests recycling them.
Driftwood
Driftwood that floats on the salty sea takes in chlorine from the salt. When burned, however, it releases dioxins—harmful compounds that are bad for your health and the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, dioxins have been shown to cause severe respiratory problems as well as cancer.
Because of its high salt content, salt corrodes the metal parts of your stove and chimney. However, it can be fashioned into rustic furniture, picture frames, or used as a natural garden accent piece—whatever you wish.
Painted or Stained Wood
Painted or stained wood burns and can release harmful chemicals and toxins into the air. When these coatings are burned, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says they can emit dangerous substances such as lead, formaldehyde, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Don’t drop that antique dresser with its worn paint because you know it would look precious, glowing in the fire. Upcycling is your friend! Use those colorful planks to help you build a funky garden bench or a rustic picture frame. If that doesn’t suit your style, consult your local waste management for instructions on properly disposing of it.
Green Wood
Green Wood Freshly cut green Wood, as we all know, has a very high moisture content—usually about 50% water weight! If you try to burn it, you get lots of smoke and very little heat, coupled with serious creosote buildup—the tar stuff that can clog up your chimney.
Experts suggest that to achieve an optimal moisture content of about 20%, you need to dry or ‘season’ your Wood for at least six months. Let it air out! Stack logs off the ground in a sunny, airy spot, covering only the top with a tarp to keep the rain off but allow the air to flow through.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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