Expert: Bart Ogden - 8/13/2010

Question
Hi Bart-

I rent an apartment on the ground floor of a 4 story apartment building in NYC and have been here for one year. I have a working fireplace but have never used it (due to space concerns- its a very small studio- and my dog). However, I have soot falling from the chimney on a regular basis (ranging from dust to nickel-sized), and recently it has been coming more frequently. The building is well-taken care of, and my super has told me that it is completely normal. My biggest concern is the smell/dust in my small apartment with my dog. Could this be a health hazard for him (or me)? I try to clean the area on the bottom of the fireplace and immediately surrounding it once or twice a week, but I am wondering if there is anything else (any  air purifiers specifically for fireplaces, catching devices, etc.) that I can be doing to help cleanse the air.

Thank you so much in advance for your help!

Answer
Hi Gen,

Close the damper in the top of the firebox and it should stop being an issue.

Creosote is a carcinogen, so if the dog is ingesting it, it is an issue.

Creosote contains volatile organic compounds that should not be inhaled.

If the chimney is inspected on an annual basis and swept by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep as needed, you really shouldn't be getting creosote into the firebox, particularly if the damper is closed when the appliance is not in use.

I recommend you have your super contact a local CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep to do some on-site diagnosis of your problem.

You can find a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep at www.csia.org.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc.
Wichita, KS
Voice 316-265-9828
Fax 316-265-9890
www.HomeSafeKS.com

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep #2653
CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician #10
NFI Certified Wood Specialist
NFI Certified Gas Specialist
NFI Certified Pellet Specialist
NFI Master Hearth Professional
NCSG Technical Advisory Council Member

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