There are few things that can make a house feel like a home the way a fireplace can. People have enjoyed relaxing by the hearth for centuries and continue to do so, even following the invention of central air and modern furnaces.  Fireplaces can also make a reat aesthetic option for any home due to their versatility in design.

Despite all their advantages, fireplaces still have inherent dangers.

When burning wood in fireplaces, the natural fibers release unburned gases. These gases cling to the walls, stick in the cracks and create a sticky, tar-like substance on the lining of the fireplace. This filmy residue is called creosote, a naturally occurring byproduct of burning wood.

Here are a few concerns related to creosote:

Health risks

Creosote can be fairly innocuous until it builds up in large amounts on the lining of the chimney. Overexposure to the substance can cause burning of the mouth and eyes, or cause an upset stomach. If creosote is somehow ingested, it can also cause damage to the liver and the kidneys.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has even suggested that the substance could become carcinogenic to those who are exposed to it for an extended period of time.

Fire risks

Creosote can also cause house fires. The substance is flammable and when it builds up in excess in a chimney, the heat from a fire can cause the creosote to ignite. The most important thing to know about a creosote fire is its potential to spread very quickly throughout the home, often without any warning.

According to a study conducted by the Fire Analysis and Research Division of the National Fire Protection Agency, the leading factor contributing to home heating fires was failure to clean creosote from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.

Contractors that specialize in chimney cleaning, such as chimney sweeps, are equipped to detect potential dangers as well as the best methods for removal of creosote. It is recommended that you clean your chimney, at least once a year. Use Angie's List to find the best chimney sweep or chimney repair companies to service your home's fireplace.