There’s a certain charm in curling up by a roaring fire on a chilly winter evening. However, the reality is stark: air pollution from burning wood or coal for heating causes nearly 61,000 premature deaths annually in Europe.

 

Wood-burning stoves are often seen as safer, cleaner, and more aesthetically pleasing than open fires. This perception might explain the 40% rise in their sales in the UK between 2021 and 2022. Yet, burning wood is not necessarily a healthier or more environmentally friendly choice compared to coal or gas for heating.

 

Wood combustion releases a mix of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and harmful gases, which can deeply penetrate the lungs. The specific pollutants depend on the stove and fuel type but can include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde and benzene, both known carcinogens.

 

Wood smoke exposure impacts the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, with PM2.5 posing the greatest threat. It increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term exposure can lead to systemic inflammation, heightening vulnerability to infections like flu and COVID-19, particularly in at-risk groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing conditions. The consequences include increased healthcare costs, reduced productivity, and higher hospital admissions.

 

In the UK and Ireland, solid fuel heating is the primary source of outdoor PM2.5 during winter. Wood burning predominates in the UK, while peat burning contributes significantly in Ireland. Under stagnant, cold conditions, pollution levels in rural towns can rival those in heavily polluted regions of north India. Not only does outdoor pollution from wood burning pose a serious health risk, but it also degrades indoor air quality, especially during stove lighting or refueling, when PM2.5 levels can remain elevated for hours without proper ventilation.

 

Despite these risks, surveys in the UK and Ireland reveal that most people use solid fuel stoves for their aesthetic appeal and the cozy ambiance they provide, with cost-saving or necessity cited as secondary reasons. Interestingly, in London, wood-burning stoves are more common in wealthier areas, while poorer neighborhoods bear the brunt of the associated air pollution.

 

Raising awareness about the health and environmental impacts of wood-burning stoves is crucial. Campaigns like the UK and Ireland’s Clean Air Night play an important role in educating the public and encouraging a shift toward cleaner heating habits. Promoting renewable and efficient technologies like heat pumps can significantly reduce emissions and health risks and, in many cases, prove more cost-effective—except for those sourcing their own wood.

 

Community-level actions, such as providing real-time air quality data, can also empower individuals to make informed decisions. For instance, Cork’s PM2.5 sensor network map allows residents to identify unhealthy pollution levels in their area before using wood burners.

 

For those dependent on solid fuel stoves, there are practical steps to minimize emissions:

-          Opt for low-emission-certified stoves and maintain them annually with professional help.

-          Burn small, hot fires with ample air supply and avoid smoldering.

-          Use appropriate fuels and adhere to regulations—never burn garbage, plastics, treated wood, or painted materials.

-          Ensure proper ventilation during lighting or refueling by opening windows, keeping vents clear, or using exhaust fans.

 

If wood-burning stoves are a secondary heating source, reducing their use or discontinuing them altogether can greatly improve air quality. Now that would truly bring a breath of fresh air.