A cozy fire in the fireplace sure helps beat the winter chill. But improper installation or operation can turn a fireplace into a definite hazard that can be prevented with proper preparation.

By: Kiera Butler

It's no secret that fireplaces and woodstoves—wonderful and cozy though they may be—are not great for the environment. The smoke that they produce is full of harmful particles, including, according to the EPA, volatile organic compounds and the likely carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene. Smoke can foul up the air both inside and out, and exposure to the stuff can cause serious respiratory problems.