Fire place

Question

Is a fire place for wood burning to be avoided in the house of patients with CF. Our son is 2 years old and has a severe form of CF.
A worried parent.

Answer

Thank you for this interesting question.
There are no specific studies in CF about the possible negative effect of fire places in the home of patients.

We do know however that asthma symptoms are worsened and lung function is slightly worse when children are exposed to wood burning. Usually this concerns epidemiological data where it is difficult to distinguish the effect of wood burning from industrial pollution, exposure to cigarette smoke or poor social environment. And often the exposure will be more than the occasional use of a fire place. It will rather be using wood to heat a house or to cook. In most industrial countries, closed fire places with a controlled ventilation that are much more energetic and cause less pollution are available.
We understand that we don’t give a complete answer to your question and we therefore like to conclude that exposure to wood burning can increase airway symptoms. With however a closed fire place with a well functioning chimney and according to recent industrial guidelines, this effect is probably limited. But we advise you to discuss this information also with the doctor who treats your child.
Prof. Kris De Boeck

03.05.2012