A filthy chimney is dangerous to any home, and to the people in your home. Are you aware of the last time that the chimney was inspected and cleaned by professionals? Maybe you live in a home that had been in the family for many years, or you moved into a new home thinking the chimney has no issues.

Owners or homeowners of rental properties could assume that there are no dangers or risks linked to the delaying of the inspection and cleaning. The truth is there are a lot of health issues that can come from a dirty chimney. Delaying the chimney inspection poses a big health risk to your health or anyone else who lives in your home.

Prevents a Chimney Fire

More than 1 of 4 fires in residential houses are because of creosote buildup due to the failure of cleaning the chimney and wood-burning fireplace. It is the number 1 cause of house fires, based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It is not surprising that chimney fires normally happen between December and February. Burning ember or intense heat in your fireplace ignites flammable creosote in the chimney that spreads to combustible materials in your house. A chimney and fireplace inspection is the best way to prevent a chimney fire.

Skin and Eye Irritation Caused by Obstructed or Dirty Chimney

Irritation to the skin and eyes may happen because of different factors linked to a filthy or obstructed chimney. Soot comes from incomplete burning or inorganic materials. The brown or black powder that is left irritates the skin and eyes. People can ingest or inhale soot. It can also get absorbed into the skin.

Avoids Creosote Health Damages

Creosote is unhealthy. The chimney’s flue lining filled with creosote can flake off, fall inside the box, or even generate dust into your home. A number of health issues, which includes eye and skin irritation, organ damage, and respiratory issues if it is eaten, can be caused by creosote dust.

Ensures that Toxic Gases Do Not Leak Inside Your Home

Aside from checking creosote buildup, a fireplace and chimney inspection is important for making sure toxic gases, which include carbon monoxide, do not leak inside your home. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, and tasteless. It can be deadly for people who do not recognize carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, like nausea, headache, confusion, and vomiting.

There are different ways dangerous fumes can leak into your home through your fireplace and chimney. For instance, twigs, leaves, animal nests, and other debris obstructs the flue vent. When the grass cannot be expelled from your chimney, a dangerous backdraft can happen, that forces fumes and smoke into the living space through your fireplace. Flue liner cracks, excessive creosote, and masonry damage also increase the risk of carbon monoxide exposure.

Other Related Respiratory Issues

Failure to inspect and clean the chimney annually might lead to serious respiratory problems. Soot buildup on the chimney liners’ interior walls, creosote exposure, and carbon monoxide poisoning directly relates to a blocked, dirty, or unsafe chimney contributing to several respiratory issues.

The smoke, unburned or partially burned wood particles, gases, as well as other substances can add to respiratory disorders or distress. These issues can potentially cause cancer. The result of the study in 2016 has added esophageal cancer as among the prevalent cancers that are normally caused by soot exposure. Hence, there are so many benefits that chimney sweep and inspection can give you.

You should contact chimney contractors Ellicott City anytime you need them to check your chimney.