Smoking chimney causing Asthma problems

[Red247]

Hi

This is perhaps a strange question. I have Asthma (from birth) and manage at the moment very well.

Our opposite neighbour who has central gas heating, solar panels etc has now decided to install a wood burner. She does occasionally burn material that really stinks. It affects me and we have to close all windows and leave the garden (yes she burned sometimes in summer as well). Is there anything I could do? I know it is allowed to have wood burner. Thank you.

[Troilus]

I suppose the obvious answer would be to talk to your neighbour. I would be a bit reluctant to do that, I don’t really know why, but if someone knocked on my door and told me that something I was doing was making them ill, unless it was something unavoidable I would stop doing it.

If you are the same kind of mind set as me, you my consider an air purifier. I have a Dyson Air Purifier. It was expensive, but very good. I run it on auto and sometimes it kicks in when I don’t notice anything. It even kicks in if my husband has a glass of wine!

[Hidden]

This sounds odd - but I have the same problem with a neighbour and her all summer long bonfires. My asthma nurse suggested it was an irritation and effectively an allergic reaction inducing asthma. She suggested trying montelukast and it’s worked for me.

Yes, I could have spoken to my neighbour - but it wouldn’t have gone well for neighbourhood peace especially as we have a coal burner, which whilst it doesn’t affect me, she could have argued I was just being awkward. We tried several different coals to find the one which doesn’t set my asthma off.

So, perhaps ask your asthma nurse if it would work for you?

[Hidden]

I really feel for you as it's one of the only things that triggers my chest. It's the fine particles. Next year there is going to be a ban on selling wet wood and certain coal for woodburners. Wish I could give more advice.

All the best Red247

[Wheezycat]

It is hard, isn’t it! I react on some wood burners. I suspect things like wind direction, quality of wood and burner all make a difference. I know someone who really struggles in the winter months due to all the wood burners in her neighbourhood. She finds it hard anytime she needs to go out. Smoke from burning will pollute with particulate matter, a known irritant, I myself react on pollution from all sorts burning, from bonfires, wood burners, scented candles, some cooking and even bread being toasted! I find them all unpleasant.

[ChrissieMons]

Might there be a neighbour who could mention this for you, in a roundabout sort of way? I loathe any kind of confrontation, so you have my sympathy. She might at least give you a warning, or burn less if she understands how it affects you.

[Red247 in reply to ChrissieMons]

It is a good idea. We all get on very well with each other. She is a bit of an exception. If she things she has to burn fuel ok, but she is burning bamboo from a previous flowerbed fringe or treated wood. And this smells and smokes.