Hearthlist Digest #115 - Friday, February 27, 1998
 
Asthma and Post #114
  by Christie Martindale <[email protected]>
Re: Hearthlist Digest #114 - 02/26/98
  by Condar Company <[email protected]>
 

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Subject: Asthma and Post #114
From: "Christie Martindale" <[email protected]>
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 1998 07:49:10 -0400
 
As I read Craig=92s post # 114 I looked up a picture of a 14 year old
Christopher, my son's best friend who passed away a year ago from an Asthma
attack.  We knew that Asthma could debilitate, but had no idea that it could
kill.   Like most Asthmatics, an allergic reaction triggered the deadly
attack.  Second hand smoke, pet dander, dust, stress and other irritants
play a key role in triggering an attack.
 
If a customer tells me they are Asthmatic I will usually advise them to
consult with their doctor before installing any hearth appliance that burns
solid fuel(wood or pellet).  Many Asthmatics have allergies and the dust and
molds on wood and the fines(dust) from pellet fuel can trigger an attack.
 
I think our industry has a responsibility to our customers to insure that
they(the customers) are advised to seek a medical opinion.  Installation is
critical to minimizing indoor emissions.  Maintenance is also important.  A
poorly maintained product will spill emissions into the home.  But I=92m
preaching to the choir!!  We know these things, but sometimes forget the
imprtance of installation and maintainece.
 
Bringing fire to your life,
Christie Martindale
Bishop Woodstove
 
 
 

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Subject: Re: Hearthlist Digest #114 - 02/26/98
From: Condar Company <[email protected]>
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 1998 13:39:00 -0400
 
RE: Indoor Air Quality
 
While our industry is no more to blame for deteriorating air quality
than a number of other factors in the home, the fact is that we're where
the problems first show up.  Most home owners don't know when there's
spillage from the furnace or water heater, but a smoking fireplace or
malfunctioning gas appliance is always immediately noticeable--it's
right in the living area. Thus, we're called on to address problems
which are, in reality, problems of modern building practices and
materials.
 
We can't simply react by defending our products. This issue presents an
opportunity for the hearth industry to use its unique skills to broaden
the scope of services and expertise we bring to our customers.
 
We have always been in a position where a fair amount of consumer
education has been needed to assist in a decision of what best meets a
customer's needs. The hearth industry also has a high degree of
technical know-how and installation capability.  These skills are the
real strength of our industry that set it apart from the mass
merchandisers and discounters.
 
We need to be proactive in applying these skills to the indoor air
quality issue. We can't simply react to problems on a case-by-case
basis.  We must educate ourselves.  HPA, HEARTH, the National Chimney
Sweep Guild and others are already offering programs that begin to
address not only the role of the hearth appliance in the modern home,
but look at the house as a system.
 
We also need to familiarize ourselves with products and strategies we
can employ. Not just to aid in the operation of a particular appliance,
but that begin to address the ventilation and air quality needs of the
home and it's inhabitants. In doing so, we can greatly increase the
range of products and services we bring to our customers.
 
This need is immediate.  The public is ready for this message.  If we
don't become active in the issue, we will see further regulation of
hearth appliances, while other businesses step in to fill the void. We
would be foolish to let the opportunity pass us by.
 
 
Greg McCarren
Condar Company