In some places, wood-burning is the major source of particle pollution. Many of these pollutants can worsen air quality indoors and outdoors. Wood-Burning Emissions Threaten Lung HealthĮmissions from wood smoke, discussed below, can cause coughing, wheezing, asthma attacks, heart attacks, and premature death, among other health effects. People with lung disease face special risks, but so do children, older adults, people with cardiovascular disease and diabetics. Many of these harmful emissions can occur both indoors and outdoors. Burning wood produces emissions that are widely recognized as harmful to human health.
