Young Blonde Girl Posing On The Sandy Beach With Driftwood And Remains Of Trees

Burning driftwood can produce polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), also known as the misnomer "dioxins", which are carcinogenic. For this reason burning driftwood is not recommended. The formation of PCDDs is well documented when organic compounds are combusted in the presence of chlorine, which is present in driftwood as a result of soaking in seawater.
Driftwood can be used as part of decorative furniture or other art forms, and is a popular element in the scenery of fish tanks.