Burning of wood in kitchen stoves and fireplaces create significant particulate pollution that can have serious negative health impacts, confirms a study led by  Sarah Commodore, assistant professor at Indiana University’s Department of Environmental and Occupational Health. The study highlighted that volatile organic compounds – VOCs – and hydrocarbons containing benzine, which is carcinogenic, therfore repeated exposure to it creates ‘insults’ to the cells of our organs and can set us up for disease. The fine particulate matter released while burning wood, pM2.5, can go straight into one’s lungs and enter the bloodstream.