Wood Smoke Stories

Eyes severely affected

I've worked with wood for over 50 years, 17 of them in a workshop heated by a wood burner. After 3 years I realised I had a problem with sore eyes, despite wearing safety gear. This developed into sore skin in my eyes, nose and throat. I retired early yet have suffered with this now for 27 years, despite procedures on my eyes. I am left with an allergy to woodsmoke which has changed my life. I've had to buy 2 air purifiers for the house and am reluctant to go outside in the winter because of other peoples’ smoke. I have to wear goggles and a mask to put the bins out. 10 seconds of breathing smoke can give me a week of sore eyes and little sleep. I feel lucky that it hasn't affected my lungs, yet!

J.H.