• Fireplaces offer both pros and cons.fireplace with some fire tools image by Nikolay Okhitin from Fotolia.com
  
  Fireplaces can create both heat and enjoyment for your home. They also carry dangers that are harmful to you and your loved ones. A fireplace must have adequate ventilation as inadequate venting can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke inhalation and possibly start a fire in your home. Make sure when you have a fire burning in a fireplace that you have your damper open and that your chimney is free from soot. Never burn inadequate items or fuel in a fireplace. Learn all the dangers, and practice safety when using your fireplace.
  
  

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that you cannot see, taste or smell. Carbon monoxide enters the lungs and bloodstream when inhaled and replaces oxygen in the body, resulting in suffocation. Someone who is exposed to high amounts of carbon dioxide can die in minutes. Symptoms of carbon dioxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, shortness of breath and nausea. Carbon monoxide poisoning came come from wood and gas fireplaces. It is caused by improper venting and blocked chimneys. Keep a carbon monoxide detector in your home on the same floor as the fireplace.
  
  

Smoke Inhalation

• Smoke inhalation is caused from breathing in smoke that comes from wood burning fireplaces that are not properly ventilated. Smoke inhalation can cause burns around the nose, mouth and throat, as well as tissue irritation in the lungs. The lack of oxygen can also cause coughing, a sore throat, headache and red eyes. Improper venting and closed dampers can lead to too much smoke in the home.
  
  

Residential Fires

• Residential fires result from wood burning fireplaces that have improper venting, closed dampers or using gasoline as an accelerate. Residential fires also cause carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation. Keep a smoke and carbon monoxide detector in the home on the same floor as the fireplace. Create an escape route and make a map. Post it in a central location, like the kitchen on the refrigerator. Practice drills often during day and night so you can be prepared if needed.