As energy bills keep going up, more and more families are using wood burning stoves to stay warm and save money. But we need to be careful because these stoves are causing long term problems to our health and the environment. In this blog post, we will shed light on the dangers associated with using solid fuels, particularly wood, government laws and possible solutions.
Are wood-burners harmful to our health?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. As much as we like the cosiness of real fire on a dark winter evening, there is no escaping the fact that burning wood poses significant risks to both public health and the environment. Wood burning releases various pollutants into the air, including fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. These tiny particles can easily enter our lungs and cause respiratory issues, particularly for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 can lead to health problems such as:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Heart disease
- Angina
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Emphysema
Wood burning has proven to be one of the most harmful types of air pollution and research found a 35% increase in PM2.5 emissions between 2010 and 2020. But how harmful is harmful? In England alone, polluted air leads to up to 38,000 premature deaths each year. This alarming fact emphasises the need to take immediate action to reduce air pollution and protect public health.
What are the wood burning laws?
Recognising the fundamental right to breathe clean air, politicians are advocating for legislation to address this issue. The UK government is taking steps to regulate wood burners more strictly, particularly in designated “smoke control areas.”
According to The Times, the UK government is urging local councils to take action against individuals who violate air pollution rules by burning wood, imposing fines of up to £300. Smoke control areas established under the Environment Act 2021 aims to mitigate the impact of wood burning on public health, especially in high-density housing areas.
“Local authorities have powers to create smoke control areas in cities under the Environment Act 2021…..We need an urgent review into the impacts of smoke from chimneys on public health in high-density housing areas, with a view to putting an end to future sales of log burners and fuels if they are shown to have an unacceptable detrimental impact.”
Green party co-leader Carla Denyer
Solutions to avoiding the dangers of wood burning?
To address the dangers associated with solid fuels like wood, it is crucial to explore alternative, less polluting options for heating your home or cooking:
- Energy-Efficient Heating Systems:
Consider switching to a green heating system such as an air source heat pump. This can not only reduce air pollution but also helps you save money on energy bills. Through government grants such as the ECO4 scheme, people who qualify can access a green energy heating system at no cost. Green energy-efficient options such as air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps, combined with solar panels and proper insulation will mean you use less energy heating your home, and you produce fewer emissions. Better for your health, your bank balance, and the environment.
- Reduced Emissions Standards:
As mentioned before, the UK government is implementing tighter regulations on new wood burners in designated “smoke control areas.” These regulations also stipulate that wood burners should produce no more than 3g of smoke per hour, as opposed to the current limit of 5g. By adhering to these standards, we can significantly reduce the harmful emissions associated with wood burning.
To conclude, it is crucial to be aware of the dangers of using solid fuels like wood for heating purposes. Check with your log burner manufacturer- does your model comply with this? If you have an old log burner, or traditional open fire, you might want to consider replacing it as a priority. (Remember to check to see if you are eligible to get get a free new heating system through ECO4)
