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ASTHMA FACT SHEET: |
What is nitrogen dioxide?
Nitrogen dioxide is an odorless gas that comes from fuel-burning appliances like gas stoves, gas furnaces, wood fireplaces, coal stoves, and un-vented or improperly vented kerosene or gas space heaters. High-levels of nitrogen dioxide could build-up in homes if a gas stove is used to heat a room, an un-vented gas or kerosene space heater is malfunctioning or used in an area too small with little to no ventilation, or a fireplace or wood stove is not vented properly.
High-levels of nitrogen dioxide can irritate the lung airways which can cause an asthma attack. High-levels of nitrogen dioxide can also lead to upper respiratory infections and cause the airways in the lungs to become more sensitive to other irritants, like tobacco smoke or allergens.
How can high-levels of nitrogen dioxide be avoided?
- Vent all fuel-burning appliances, and use them properly.
- Never use a gas stove to heat a room.
- Have a gas furnace system professionally inspected and cleaned as needed.
- Use the exhaust fan over a gas stove when cooking. The exhaust fan should vent outside. If it does not vent outside, open the closest window.
- At home, open the flue/damper when building a fire so that smoke will exit through the chimney and not into your home. If smoke is entering the home, put out the fire and check the chimney for debris. Have the chimney professionally inspected and cleaned once a year.
- Un-vented gas or kerosene space heaters are not recommended. It is difficult to control the gases released and space heaters are fire hazards. Instead, use an electric space heater when needed. However, use with caution because these are also fire hazards.
- All space heaters and open fireplaces are prohibited in schools and licensed early child care homes, ministries, and center.
- Check the gas water heater is working and vented properly.
- Consider replacing gas-fueled appliances with electric appliances and upgrading the ventilation system.