It's a rather eye-opening caution that several communities in Europe have banned the installation of fixed fireplaces in newly built homes.
Some are further working on the ban of fixed fireplaces that are already in place.
Even though it is a fact that European communities don't normally share the same freedoms neighborhoods in America do, it is also a fact that many American communities place mandates on its own residents.
Housing developments across America have established regulations as a form of policing their own communities.
Lakewood in Fort Ashby, West Virginia has sizing restrictions on new houses built around its lake.
Seaside, Florida has adopted several regulations that all center on the new urbanism philosophy.
These communities can enforce such regulations because it is a resident's choice to invest in such housing.
Simply enough said, if they don't like the regulations, then they don't have to live there.
Traditional log burning fireplaces were a great idea in the historical perspective of things when they were the sole heating source of a ranch in the middle of nowhere.
When hunting was the only way to have red meat for supper, when cooking couldn't possibly have been done on a gas stove, wood burning fireplaces solved heating and cooking problems.
Wood that was cut to be burned didn't stay on the pile long throughout the winter.
But, housing has changed.
City dwellers have so many other solutions available to them.
They just like the tradition and the ambiance of the fireplace.
Yet, it is being observed more and more as a health hazard to have a fireplace in a residential neighborhood, and worse is to have one in every home in that community.
A common finding in communities with wood burning fireplaces is a dangerously high level of the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum or oak wilt.
Firewood storage areas on the side or the back of the houses will be rich in the fungus because infected woods that are delivered to these communities bring with them the spores that eventually spread to good wood.
Burning the infected wood in the fireplace results in an even wider spread of the fungus throughout the home.
Dangers to human contact with the fungus have not yet been fully recognized, but it is firmly noted that it should be seriously avoided.
Further objections to wood burning fireplaces include what it is doing to the atmosphere.
One home on the side of a mountain a hundred years ago had no impact on air pollution.
But, a report from the Environmental Protection Agency states, "Wood smoke contains hundreds of chemical compounds, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, organic gases, and particulate matter.
"This report comes as a result of the amount of wood burning smoke being emitted into the air these days.
It is time to look to Ventless Gel Fireplaces for the answer to adding alternative heat and fireplace ambiance to your home comfort.
Plenty of European communities have adopted the Ventless Gel Fireplace and are living quite happily and hazard free.
The Ventless Gel Fireplace doesn't require the burning of any logs, infected or not.
Plus, there is no smoke of any kind emitted.
Keep your community and your family safe!It's the greatest thing you can do.