A Wood burning Restaurant Fad is sweeping the country. The restaurants are located in major cities and suburbs and in shopping centers. They burn up to 1,000 pounds of wood a week. The smoke permeates the restaurant and the work place as well as the home. Measurements in a non smoking restaurant cooking with natural gas showed no measurable fine particulate in the restaurant.
Wood smoke contains formaldehyde and hydrocarbons.
Breathing these chemicals and gases has been linked to alcohol abuse. The same addictive chemicals are found in wood smoke. Children from areas with high wood smoke could be more likely to begin smoking. Candles emit soot, the same as any other solid fuel. The aroma candle fad is on the rise and is expected to continue to grow.