Open flames often lead people to throw things into them. As much as we are instinctively wary of fires, we are also fascinated by them, and the power they wield. How many movies have you seen in which someone, usually in a fit of rage, throws something into the flames, as we linger on it smouldering in the hearth?
Although the temptation may be there, there are some things you should never throw into an open fire. Today, we’re going to look at some materials and items that you should never throw into your open fire stove or fireplace. Some are obvious, whereas others are ones you may not have considered before.
Cardboard / Paper
Firstly, we have one perhaps everyone is guilty of. Again, going back to the film analogy, few things look more cinematic than casting a letter into the flames, destroying the information written on it. But there is a real world danger to this that never comes up in the movies. If you experience a back draught from the chimney, or a rush of wind blows through the house, the burning paper could easily be blown out of the fire. This could mean it lands on you or the carpet, starting a fire.
Cardboard carries a similar hazard. Both materials could shoot out of the chimney, and start a fire outside, which could go unnoticed for longer than an indoor fire would. Cardboard is also heavily treated with chemicals during its manufacture, and burning it releases these toxins into the air.
Plastic
For similar reasons to cardboard, burning plastic is a bad idea. It is loaded with harmful chemicals that becoming airborne when the plastic is melted. On top of this, the plastic will melt into your fireplace. At best, this creates a difficult to move mess. At worst, it can seep into the internal workings of the fireplace and break it. In fact, burning plastic on any fire is illegal in the UK, and in a lot of countries worldwide.
Pressurised Cans
This is hopefully not news to you. Pressurised cans always carry a lot of warning labels instructing people not to put them on fires. That is because the pressure inside will only increase when the metal can is exposed to heat, with explosive results. This explosions can cause very bad injuries. To see just how much pressure is inside an normal aerosol can, watch the video below.
Rubbish
In fact, don’t throw anything you intend to throw away onto your fire for the sake of convenience. A lot of household materials contain toxic chemicals, but even those that don’t can be harmful in other ways. Some will throw out a lot of smoke, stinging your eyes. Others will let off incredibly bad smells, which is no fun for anybody. So don’t be lazy and dispose of waste properly.
Treated or unseasoned wood
You may think at this point the only thing safe to put on your fire is wood. Well taking this approach will save a lot of hassle and health problems, but you also have to remember that certain types of wood can be just as harmful as any other material. Take treated woods for example. Treated lumber and plywood is usually coated in chemicals to make them more hard wearing. They will all become part of the atmosphere should you choose to throw them into the flames.
It is also advisable to avoid throwing unseasoned wood in as well. Most firewood sold at stores has been seasoned and left to dry for a year. Unseasoned wood won’t necessarily be harmful when burned, but it will produce a lot more smoke, and create a creosote build-up in the chimney.