Other diseases associated with wood burning

DNA damage

Wood smoke produces high levels of free radicals and leads to DNA damage. It also promotes inflammatory and stress reactions in human cells.

Free radicals play an important role in the development of chronic and degenerative diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, cataracts, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases.

It was also proven that particulate matter from wood smoke causes more DNA damage than particulate matter from traffic.

The authors of the study:

“This suggests that exposure to wood smoke particles may be more dangerous than particles originating from vehicle exhaust in terms of the development of lung cancer.”

Allergies and altered immune function

Exposure to air pollution from particulate matter can exacerbate allergic reactions and reduce immune function.

Inflammation and blood clotting

Particulate matter from wood burning is associated with increased levels of inflammation and effects on blood clotting. Even in healthy adults who are only exposed to particulate matter for short periods of time

“Relatively low levels” of emissions from wood burning can also affect biomarkers in blood, breath and urine

A laboratory experiment has also shown that the free radicals in wood smoke remain chemically active for forty times longer than those in cigarette smoke.

Particle pollution and eyesight

Like smoking and passive smoking, exposure to particulate matter is a risk factor for cataracts and eye diseases. Even small amounts of particulate matter can increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Especially if the fine dust particles originate from wood burning, this particularly promotes the development of cataracts.

Multiple sclerosis

Burning wood also produces acrolein, among other things.

Acrolein is a toxic substance that is also used as a pesticide to control algae, weeds, bacteria and molluscs, as well as in the production of other chemicals.

Acrolein damages the genetic material. But it also inhibits our natural immune response, stimulating tumor growth. Acrolein is also associated with demyelinating diseases (diseases that damage the nervous system) such as multiple sclerosis.