Can burning firewood cause carbon monoxide poisoning?
Nov 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Whether burning firewood leads to carbon monoxide poisoning depends on ventilation conditions and the state of combustion. If symptoms such as dizziness or nausea occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. When burning firewood in a well-ventilated environment—such as outdoors in open areas or indoors with windows and doors open and good air circulation—the wood burns completely, allowing any carbon monoxide produced to disperse quickly. Under these conditions, the concentration of carbon monoxide remains low and generally does not cause poisoning.
Generally, whether burning firewood leads to carbon monoxide poisoning depends on ventilation conditions and the combustion state. If symptoms such as dizziness or nausea occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If firewood is burned in a well-ventilated environment, such as an open outdoor area or indoors with windows and doors open and good air circulation, the wood burns completely. The carbon monoxide produced can disperse quickly, maintaining low concentrations that generally do not cause poisoning.
However, if firewood is burned in a closed or poorly ventilated indoor space, such as a kitchen with tightly closed doors and windows or a basement, incomplete combustion occurs, generating large amounts of carbon monoxide that cannot be expelled promptly. This gradually increases indoor carbon monoxide concentration and may lead to poisoning, causing symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and even unconsciousness.
When burning firewood, ensure adequate ventilation at all times and avoid prolonged burning in enclosed spaces. Regularly check the combustion status of the firewood to ensure complete burning and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide production.
