Which harmful substance from wood stoves can lead to health issues like asthma and cancer?

The harmful substance from wood stoves that can lead to health issues such as asthma and cancer is smoke. Wood smoke contains a complex mixture of pollutants, including particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and various carcinogenic substances. When wood is burned, it produces fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs, aggravating respiratory conditions like asthma and potentially leading to long-term health effects, including an increased risk of cancer.

While other options may also have health implications, the specific issue addressed here is directly tied to the composition of smoke emitted when burning wood. Smoke is a significant concern due to its toxicity and the variety of harmful substances it contains. Other alternatives, like carbon monoxide, ash, and creosote, have their own health impacts but are not as broadly linked to acute respiratory problems and long-term health issues associated with inhalation as smoke is.