Woodsmoke contains several known human carcinogens, including benzene, benzo[a]pyrene and formaldehyde and has been nominated to the US National Toxicology Program Report on Carcinogens. It has been described as a "witch's brew of carcinogens" because of all the PAH and toxic chemicals it contains. Burning 10 kg of wood in a modern Australian heater produces more benzo[a]pyrene than in the smoke from 270,000 cigarettes and more benzene and formaldehyde than in the smoke of 60,000 cigarettes.
·
Predominant wood (fuel) users in North America and Europe had a 21% higher risk of lung cancer. Wood burning was reported to create top cancer risk in Oregon's air.
More info: woodsmoke.3sc.net/cancer
