Install gas fireplace okay?

[Guest guest]

We bought an older home with a wood-burning fireplace. The fireplace

is drafty.

We are wondering whether we should convert it to gas or just sheetrock

over the fireplace. Converting it to gas would be somewhat expensive

and also I am wondering whether gas is good to have in the home. It

seems I read it is better for kids on the autistic spectrum to use

electric range tops rather than gas.

Thanks for any input,

Beth