The American Lung Association in California issued a news release on Nov. 1st which highlights the dangers of wood smoke to children.
“Their lungs do not fully form until the age of 18 and exposure to higher levels of wood smoke can lead to reduced lung function and risk of future lung disease. For children with asthma, breathing wood smoke can lead to serious asthma attacks and breathing emergencies,” says Sharon Chinthrajah, MD, Divisions of Pulmonary/Critical Care and Allergy/Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine and a volunteer physician for the American Lung Association in California.
The ALA urges people to switch to cleaner sources of energy such as natural gas, propane, and heat pumps.
The Canadian Lung Association also recommends that people do not burn wood in residential settings.