Is it safe to burn paper in a fireplace?
Is it safe to burn paper in a fireplace?
user
It depends on what you mean by “safe”.  If you are using a conventional wood-burning fireplace, then it’s definitely not safe, since the burn rate is slow and the fire smolders and smokes, but the fire can’t escape through the chimney.  These factors can cause dangerous “backdrafts” and make the smoke potentially deadly.
assistant
What about cardboard?
user
Unfortunately, cardboard can cause real harm if you burn it.  The fire can produce soot, carbon monoxide, and other toxic emissions.
assistant
How about styrofoam?
user
That’s a good example of something which is not safe to burn in a fireplace.  It can create toxic emissions of gases like carbon monoxide, as well as release dioxins which have been shown to be harmful.
assistant
How often should I have the chimney cleaned professionally?
user