Corner Brook -
Burning green wood in inefficient stoves can lead to a lot of problems according to the Lung Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Greg Noel, the association's director of environmental initiatives set up a booth in the Valley Mall Friday promoting the safe and responsible burning of wood.
The Lung Association recommends using seasoned wood. It should be split into pieces 10-15 centimetres in diameter and stored outside. Wet wood stored inside can grow mould and trigger asthma and allergies.
With more than 40,000 wood stoves as a primary source of heat in this province, that could add up to problems for people with asthma and other lung conditions. He said there could be another 40,000 stoves used as a secondary source of heat.
With 20 per cent of the province's population being treated for asthma he said indoor and outdoor air quality is important.
Wood should be dry, less than 20 per cent moisture ideally, to be suitable for burning. An Environmental Protection Agency approved, or wood pellet stove should be used.
"At least that way you'll reduce the pollutants and emissions going into the air. That will help reduce the rates of asthma."
George King, a Corner Brook resident, uses electric heat in his apartment. He doesn't have lung problems himself, but he can see where wood smoke can cause issues.
"We've had our day burning wood," King said. "We burned wood for years. My day is done with that."
Ron Bellows, another Corner Brook resident, stopped by the booth Friday afternoon.
He used to burn wood 20 years ago but stopped because of the expense. The chain saw, pickup truck and gas made for expensive heat for him. If you are going to use wood, he's got a tip.
"You've got to have a good stove to put wood in," Bellows said. "The smell gets right through your house if you don't."
