Exploring the Impact of Domestic Wood Burning on Air Quality

Exploring the Impact of Domestic Wood Burning on Air Quality Cosiness often evokes images of warm hearths and crackling fires, but beneath this idyllic picture lies a pressing concern: the impact of domestic wood burning on air quality. The allure of wood burners has surged in popularity, yet their charm belies a darker truth: they contribute significantly to local pollution concentrations. The LAEI (2019) shows that in cities like London, an alarming 17% of PM2.5s now stem from wood burning, a figure indicative of the growing threat they pose to public health and why controlling wood burning is an important issue.Recent research has shed light on the severity of the problem. Wood smoke, a complex mixture of particulate matter, gases, and hundreds of chemicals, harbours hazardous pollutants and carcinogens like benzene. This toxic concoction wreaks havoc on both human and environmental health, prompting governmental bodies at all levels to take action. Local authorities across the UK are implementing measures aimed at curbing emissions and safeguarding air quality to meet national targets and improve public health.But did you know that wood burning isn’t just detrimental to the environment – it’s also harmful to your health? Particulate matter, emitted during wood combustion, infiltrates the respiratory system, posing grave risks. Exposure to these minuscule particles increases the likelihood of heart and lung diseases, and dementia, as well as adversely affecting unborn babies. Prolonged exposure exacerbates respiratory ailments, with vulnerable populations such as children, asthmatics, and pregnant women bearing the brunt of its consequences.The grim reality is further underscored by studies. Research conducted by Ricardo (2023) for the London Borough of Camden and London Borough of Islington estimated that 284 Londoners annually succumb prematurely to air pollution from solid fuel heating. The associated health costs, totalling £173m annually for domestic wood burning alone in Greater London, paint a stark picture of the toll exacted by this practice. Similarly, a US study by Environment International (2023) revealed a 43% increase in lung cancer risk among women using indoor wood stoves or fireplaces compared to non-users. Even eco-design models, touted for their environmental credentials, emit staggering levels of particle pollution – 750 times more than modern HGV trucks, according to the European Environmental Bureau. This revelation has prompted policymakers, including London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan, to retract support for wood-burning stoves due to their contribution to harmful air pollution. Moreover, wood burning is an inefficient and costly form of heating. Not only does it release more CO2 emissions than alternative methods, but the rate at which trees are replenished falls short of offsetting the emissions. Contrary to popular belief, wood burners prove to be at least 15% more expensive than gas boilers or heat pumps, exacerbating financial burdens on households.The solution lies in reevaluating our reliance on wood burning and embracing sustainable alternatives. Heat pumps and district heat networks offer cleaner, more efficient heating solutions, paving the way for a greener future. It’s imperative to weigh the true costs of wood burning – economic, environmental, and health-related – and transition towards cleaner, healthier alternatives.At Haze Environmental, we’re committed to fostering better air quality and promoting public health. Join us in our mission to combat deadly air pollution and create a healthier world for all.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

UN Sustainable Development Goals UN Sustainable Development Goals at Haze Environmental At Haze Environmental, our consultancy work is deeply rooted in a steadfast commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), serving as our guiding framework to shape a better and more sustainable future for all. Formulated as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, these 17 global goals, unanimously adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, comprehensively tackle social, economic, and environmental challenges on a global scale. The Significance of Aligning with SDGs Aligning with the SDGs holds profound benefits for organizations, and at Haze Environmental, we recognize the significance of this alignment. It is crucial for global recognition and relevance, showcasing an organization’s commitment to social responsibility. This alignment not only mitigates risks related to reputation and regulatory compliance but also fosters innovation, giving companies a competitive edge. It enhances employee engagement, attracts investors, and opens doors to new markets, ensuring long-term business viability by addressing sustainability challenges and fostering valuable partnerships with governments, NGOs, and other businesses. Furthermore, aligning with the SDGs builds consumer trust and loyalty, meeting the growing demand for products and services from socially responsible companies. Ultimately, this strategic alignment positions organizations for regulatory compliance and sustainable growth in an ever-evolving global landscape. Unique Advantages for Small Companies For small companies like Haze Environmental, aligning with the SDGs offers a unique set of advantages. It elevates our reputation, positioning us as a socially responsible entity that attracts environmentally conscious customers and sets us apart in the market. Implementing sustainable practices not only leads to cost savings but also fosters innovation and operational efficiency, creating a positive work environment that boosts employee engagement and aids in talent attraction. Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond marketing; it resonates with like-minded customers, fostering loyalty and providing distinct marketing advantages. Engaging with the SDGs opens doors to learning and networking within the sustainability community, enriching our business with valuable insights and collaborations. Dedicated to Advancing Key SDGs As a company, we are dedicated to advancing three key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Focused on Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, we advocate for considering air quality early in the design process to promote healthier environments. Embracing Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, our efforts involve identifying opportunities for sustainable and resilient infrastructure and collaborating with clients to upgrade and retrofit industries for long-term sustainability. Additionally, we contribute to Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by partnering with transport planners to ensure the provision of safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems. Working closely with landscape architects, our commitment extends to creating accessible, inclusive, green, and public spaces for communities. In essence, Haze Environmental plays a pivotal role in fostering health, sustainability, and inclusivity across various sectors. A Commitment Beyond Strategy In summary, even with limited resources, small companies and solo entrepreneurs can benefit significantly from aligning with the SDGs. At Haze Environmental, our alignment is not just a strategic choice; it’s a commitment to innovation, reputation enhancement, and creating a positive impact on our communities and the planet.

Clearing the Air: Embracing Uncomfortable Conversations

Clearing the Air: Embracing Uncomfortable Conversations When discussing air pollution, it’s essential to confront the uncomfortable truths. From smog hanging over our cities to smoke inside our homes, air pollution poses a significant threat to both our health and our climate. Shockingly, every year, approximately 7 million premature deaths occur due to air pollution – that’s around 800 people every hour or 13 people every minute. The pollutants of major public health concern include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide. Understanding Air Quality Air quality is the term we use to describe how polluted the air we breathe is. Poor air quality can be hazardous, especially to those with lung or heart conditions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical, or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Both outdoor and indoor air pollution cause respiratory and other diseases, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. It’s crucial to recognize that air pollution has short-term and long-term effects on health, raising concerns among various groups, including individuals with heart and lung conditions, parents, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and those curious about air pollution within the scientific community. A Tragic Case and a Wake-Up Call In 2020, the Coroner’s court used WHO evidence from 2005 in the inquest into the tragic death of Ella Adoo Kissi-Debrah. Her acute respiratory failure was attributed to severe asthma and air pollution exposure, primarily from traffic emissions. The ruling underscored a failure to reduce nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter levels locally at the time, with Ella’s mother lacking sufficient information about the health risks of air pollution from doctors and other health professionals. The coroner, Philip Barlow, warned in his Prevention of Future Deaths report, that the adverse effects of air pollution on health were not being sufficiently communicated to patients and their carers by medical and nursing professionals, and called on medical staff to do more to inform families about the dangers of air pollution. The Role of Healthcare Professionals To address this issue, doctors must play a more active role in educating patients about the health risks of air pollution. Training healthcare professionals is essential for enabling positive doctor-patient conversations on reducing exposure to air pollution. Encouragingly, Great Ormond Street Hospital has initiated a pilot scheme that considers air pollution at patients’ home addresses, adding data on nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter to patient records, indicating where air pollution concentrations at a patient’s postcode are above World Health Organisation safe levels. A Call for Action and Education Clean air is a fundamental requirement for a healthy environment. Although air quality has improved in recent years, there’s room for further progress, as emphasized in Chris Whitty’s Annual Report on Air Pollution (2022). We must focus on areas where people live, work, and study, educating patients about the risks of air pollution. It’s evident that more should be done to integrate air pollution discussions into medical practice. While moving might not be an option, adopting measures like using Defra’s pollution forecast tool for daily planning and modifying routes to avoid congested roads during commutes can reduce exposure. However, this necessitates additional training for medical professionals to understand the effects of air pollution better. The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) acknowledges the need for a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of air pollution on health within the medical curriculum. There is also an acceptance that doctors, and all healthcare professionals, need to understand that they have a responsibility to talk to patients about air pollution and how to avoid it. The RCP is actively working on producing and promoting resources to facilitate conversations about air pollution between healthcare professionals and patients. Urban Planning’s Vital Role Finally, urban planning plays a crucial role in promoting active forms of transport, which can significantly reduce air pollution emissions. Reversing the decline in active travel since the 1950s would bring substantial health benefits. As we strive for a healthier environment, let us all commit to educating ourselves, spreading awareness, and advocating for cleaner air for the well-being of current and future generations.

How to Control Dust in Construction

How to Control Dust in Construction Calling all construction site managers – How to control dust in construction What is dust management? Dust kills! As an employer, it is your responsibility to protect your workers’ health. Where construction work uses power tools such as cut-off saws, grinders, breakers, and sanders then it is likely that there will be high dust levels. Dust management and control are the measures implemented to reduce or remove dust emissions from the activities that generate dust. Where is dust control needed? Construction sites can cause dust emissions into the air during site preparation works (demolition and earthworks) and during construction. Construction sites can cause annoyances in the form of nuisance (dust soiling of surfaces by dust) and also human health impacts due to exposure to elevated particulate concentrations (PM10 and PM2.5). Very high levels of nuisance can also impact the diversity of wildlife ecosystems. It is therefore important to incorporate dust management and control as part of your activities on site, to prevent dust particles from becoming airborne and causing nuisance or human health issues. When to apply dust management? Dust management techniques are employed on a site to reduce or eliminate dust emissions from activities that generate dust. The Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) guidance on the assessment of dust from demolition and construction details the steps to follow to define the risk of impacts on a particular site. It is important to note that the risk of an impact is often determined based on no mitigation applied on-site. Based on the defined site risk category, specific mitigation measures can then be implemented such as dampening down haul roads and reducing speed limits on site. It is assumed that through the use of effective mitigation on site, for almost all construction activity, the significant effects on receptors should be prevented. It is necessary to apply dust management and control measures on site, particularly during dry conditions and where there are significant dusty activities taking place on-site such as concrete batching or sandblasting. Why deal with dust during construction? Exposure to particulates has long been associated with a range of health effects. Regularly breathing construction dust can cause diseases such as lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and silicosis. It is therefore important that dust on site and also exposure to dust is minimized. A Call for Action and Education Clean air is a fundamental requirement for a healthy environment. Although air quality has improved in recent years, there’s room for further progress, as emphasized in Chris Whitty’s Annual Report on Air Pollution (2022). We must focus on areas where people live, work, and study, educating patients about the risks of air pollution. It’s evident that more should be done to integrate air pollution discussions into medical practice. While moving might not be an option, adopting measures like using Defra’s pollution forecast tool for daily planning and modifying routes to avoid congested roads during commutes can reduce exposure. However, this necessitates additional training for medical professionals to understand the effects of air pollution better. The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) acknowledges the need for a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of air pollution on health within the medical curriculum. There is also an acceptance that doctors, and all healthcare professionals, need to understand that they have a responsibility to talk to patients about air pollution and how to avoid it. The RCP is actively working on producing and promoting resources to facilitate conversations about air pollution between healthcare professionals and patients. Toolbox Talks Construction dust is not just a nuisance, it can also seriously damage health. If you would like to raise awareness of health risks on your construction sites, and how to avoid or minimise exposure to dust, please get in touch and discuss our toolbox talks. Urban Planning’s Vital Role Finally, urban planning plays a crucial role in promoting active forms of transport, which can significantly reduce air pollution emissions. Reversing the decline in active travel since the 1950s would bring substantial health benefits. As we strive for a healthier environment, let us all commit to educating ourselves, spreading awareness, and advocating for cleaner air for the well-being of current and future generations.

Air Quality Positive

Exploring the Impact of Domestic Wood Burning on Air Quality Cosiness often evokes images of warm hearths and crackling fires, but beneath this idyllic picture lies a pressing concern: the impact of domestic wood burning on air quality. The allure of wood burners has surged in popularity, yet their charm belies a darker truth: they contribute significantly to local pollution concentrations. The LAEI (2019) shows that in cities like London, an alarming 17% of PM2.5s now stem from wood burning, a figure indicative of the growing threat they pose to public health and why controlling wood burning is an important issue.Recent research has shed light on the severity of the problem. Wood smoke, a complex mixture of particulate matter, gases, and hundreds of chemicals, harbours hazardous pollutants and carcinogens like benzene. This toxic concoction wreaks havoc on both human and environmental health, prompting governmental bodies at all levels to take action. Local authorities across the UK are implementing measures aimed at curbing emissions and safeguarding air quality to meet national targets and improve public health.But did you know that wood burning isn’t just detrimental to the environment – it’s also harmful to your health? Particulate matter, emitted during wood combustion, infiltrates the respiratory system, posing grave risks. Exposure to these minuscule particles increases the likelihood of heart and lung diseases, and dementia, as well as adversely affecting unborn babies. Prolonged exposure exacerbates respiratory ailments, with vulnerable populations such as children, asthmatics, and pregnant women bearing the brunt of its consequences.The grim reality is further underscored by studies. Research conducted by Ricardo (2023) for the London Borough of Camden and London Borough of Islington estimated that 284 Londoners annually succumb prematurely to air pollution from solid fuel heating. The associated health costs, totalling £173m annually for domestic wood burning alone in Greater London, paint a stark picture of the toll exacted by this practice. Similarly, a US study by Environment International (2023) revealed a 43% increase in lung cancer risk among women using indoor wood stoves or fireplaces compared to non-users. Even eco-design models, touted for their environmental credentials, emit staggering levels of particle pollution – 750 times more than modern HGV trucks, according to the European Environmental Bureau. This revelation has prompted policymakers, including London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan, to retract support for wood-burning stoves due to their contribution to harmful air pollution. Moreover, wood burning is an inefficient and costly form of heating. Not only does it release more CO2 emissions than alternative methods, but the rate at which trees are replenished falls short of offsetting the emissions. Contrary to popular belief, wood burners prove to be at least 15% more expensive than gas boilers or heat pumps, exacerbating financial burdens on households.The solution lies in reevaluating our reliance on wood burning and embracing sustainable alternatives. Heat pumps and district heat networks offer cleaner, more efficient heating solutions, paving the way for a greener future. It’s imperative to weigh the true costs of wood burning – economic, environmental, and health-related – and transition towards cleaner, healthier alternatives.At Haze Environmental, we’re committed to fostering better air quality and promoting public health. Join us in our mission to combat deadly air pollution and create a healthier world for all.

Air Quality Assessments for Planning Applications

Air Quality Assessments for Planning Applications What is an Air Quality Assessment for a Planning Application? In the UK, the planning system recognizes that air quality is a material planning consideration in the planning process, however, the weight given to air quality depends on a variety of factors including not only the severity of the impacts on air quality but also the local air quality within the surrounding environment. The UK planning system has a key and important role to play in both improving air quality and also reducing exposure to air pollution, through the development of local planning policies and also through the determination of individual planning applications. Whilst it is important to incorporate good practice to reduce emissions and exposure into all developments, not all developments will meet the criteria for needing an assessment, with only “major” developments requiring an air quality assessment. The purpose is to inform the decision-making process about a particular development. It is therefore good practice to engage with the Local Planning Authority as well as an air quality specialist to gain agreement on the need for an air quality assessment. Air Quality Guidance for Planning As an organization, the Institute of Air Quality Management provides extensive guidance which promotes knowledge and understanding of best working practices in the field of air quality. In particular, the Guidance on Land-use Planning and Development Control: Planning for Air Quality (2017) provides guidance to ensure that air quality is adequately considered in the land-use planning and development control process. A link to this can be found here: https://iaqm.co.uk/text/guidance/air-quality-planning-guidance.pdf How Air Quality Assessments are carried out for Planning Applications The requirement for an air quality assessment may be to assess the impact of local air quality on the proposed development itself to assess the exposure that residents or users might experience. There may also be the requirement to assess the impacts of the development itself on the local area. When considering whether an air quality assessment may be needed it is important to take into account: The background and future baseline air quality; The presence of an Air Quality Management Area; If there is likely to be more than 10 residential units or a site area of more than 0.5ha; If there will be more than 1,000 meters squared of floor space for all other uses; Whether there will be more than 10 parking spaces; Whether there will be a centralized energy facility; Whether the development is likely to cause a significant change in Light and Heavy Duty Vehicles; and Whether there will be a realignment of roads. Better by design Developments must be designed for good air quality. A good strategy is to incorporate air quality positive mitigation measures into the design. Measures can include: Incorporating green infrastructure (such as green walls); Designing appropriate green space; Encouraging active travel by incorporating good walkways and cycle paths into the design; and Access to electric charging points. As part of my next blog, I will take a look at the Air Quality Positive policy which is required as part of the London Plan. Here at Haze Environmental, we offer in-depth and comprehensive knowledge and experience in air quality consultancy services across a project’s life cycle. As members of the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM), our consultants belong to a network of professionals and experts in the field of air quality. We can help you assess whether an air quality assessment is required and we are more than happy to discuss your requirements with a FREE no-obligation project review meeting. During this meeting, we will assess whether an assessment is required and the level of detail that is needed for your air quality assessment. Our usual practice is to suggest a phased approach to assessment which could SAVE you money.

A Beginners Guide to Carrying Out an Air Quality Assessment

A Beginners Guide to Carrying Out an Air Quality Assessment Poor air quality, human health and the environment Air pollution can cause both short term and long term effects on health and many of us are becoming increasingly concerned about pollution in the air that we breathe. As a parent myself, I can understand the concerns of parents, careers and healthcare professionals who look after children and adults alike, that are sensitive to the effects of air pollution. What is an Air Quality Assessment In the UK, the planning system has a key and important role to play in both improving air quality and also reducing exposure to air pollution, through the development of local planning policies and also through the determination of individual planning applications. The planning system recognizes that air quality is a material planning consideration, however the weight given to air quality depends on a variety of factors including not only the severity of the impacts on air quality but also the local air quality within the surrounding environment. Whilst it is important to incorporate good practice to reduce emissions and exposure into all developments, not all developments will meet the criteria for needing an assessment, with only “major” developments requiring an air quality assessment. The purpose being to inform the decision making process with regard to a particular development. It is therefore good practice to engage with the Local Planning Authority as well as an air quality specialist to gain agreement on the need of an air quality assessment. Guidance I use As a Member of the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) I belong to a network of professionals and experts in the field of air quality. As an organization, the IAQM provides extensive guidance which promotes knowledge and understanding of best working practices in the field. In particular the Guidance on Land-use Planning and Development Control: Planning for Air Quality (2017) provides guidance to ensure that air quality is adequately considered in the land-use planning and development control process. Procedure for evaluating new developments The requirement for an air quality assessment may be to assess the impact of local air quality on the proposed development itself in order to assess the exposure that residents or users might experience. There may also be the requirement to assess the impacts of the development itself on the local area. When considering whether an air quality assessment may be needed you need to take into account: The background and future baseline air quality; The presence of an Air Quality Management Area; If there is likely to be more than 10 residential units or a site area of more than 0.5ha; If there will be more than 1,000 metres squared of floor space for all other uses; Whether there will be more than 10 parking spaces; Whether there will be a centralized energy facility; Whether the development is likely to cause a significant change in Light and Heavy Duty Vehicles; and Whether there will be a realignment of roads. Better by design It is important that developments are designed for good air quality. A good strategy is to incorporate air quality positive mitigation measures into the design. Measures can include: Incorporating green infrastructure (such as green walls); Designing appropriate green space; Encouraging active travel through incorporating good walkways and cycle paths into the design; and Access to electric charging points. Here at Haze Environmental we offer in-depth and comprehensive knowledge and experience in air quality services across a project’s life cycle. We can help you assess whether an air quality assessment is required and we are more than happy to discuss your requirements with a FREE no obligation project review meeting. During this meeting we will assess whether an assessment is required and the level of detail that is needed for your air quality assessment if required. Our usual practice is to suggest a phased approach to assessment which could SAVE you money.

Season’s Greetings

Season’s Greetings Like most people, I am finishing this year in a very different position to where I started. Having launched my own business in September this year, if you had asked me back in January, I never would have thought this was possible and it had not even been on my radar. Going from a high paced role working on large prestigious projects, to taking on the role of teacher during the extensive lockdown period, I have found the strength to move on and take on new challenges after I was made redundant, whilst still following my passion for the air quality agenda. Air quality remains a hot topic in the media, only last week in the news, a coroner made legal history by ruling that air pollution was a cause of the death of a nine-year-old girl in London. Also, whilst it has been widely reported in the media that there have been clear improvements in air quality due to lockdown, and we continually hear the phrase about a new normal, it is important to note that these trends are not just solely because of the pandemic but are also typical of UK seasonal conditions. Therefore, more needs to be done to ensure improvements in air quality are more widely seen.Lots of people have concerns about air quality, but perhaps do not realise that we can all make some effort to try and reduce emissions and thus go some way to improving air quality. My two young daughters know all about air pollution (yes, I probably go on about it a little too much!) and point out how much air pollution there is when cars are sat idling at their school gates. By educating those youngest in society, we can raise the awareness that something needs to be done and that society does need to make changes to improve air quality. I am not talking about huge changes if you are not ready, but just something as simple as having a day off from your car or walking the kids to school, or perhaps avoid burning at home. If you want to go a little bit further perhaps consider going electric as your next car choice, although I appreciate that there is still a long way to go for the charging infrastructure to catch up and for prices to become more affordable.As I draw the post to a conclusion, I would like to thank all of you that have supported me on my new journey and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please stay tuned as my blogs will be continued in the New Year…

My Why…

My Why… I thought I would write my first blog to share with you my reasons for setting up Haze Environmental Ltd. Having always had a passion for the environment and all things geography related, I embarked on my journey starting at the University of Birmingham studying Geography, later going on to study for my Master of Science in Air Pollution Management and Control.Landing my first job in Hampshire, and frequently working in London, I was given some amazing experience working on high profile projects such as The Shard and the Thameslink Programme. It was whilst working on these projects that I got my first taste of air quality monitoring and stakeholder engagement, as well as also working on some more unusual studies such as sampling of Aspergillus spores (a type of mould) at a highly sensitive location. This study, working with a reach partner at Leeds University, investigated the relationship between Aspergillus spores and particulates to establish whether particulates could be used as a proxy. Since then, I’ve worked on a whole variety of projects from small-scale housing developments and industrial permitting studies, to large highways schemes on behalf of Highways England through to station design and enabling works packages for HS2, as well as indoor air quality monitoring at a number of private schools within London. With over fourteen years’ experience, I am an air quality scientist with a passion for agendas pushing cleaner technology and more sustainable policy. When I was made redundant in July 2020 on the back of COVID-19, rather than trying to change the direction of the wind, I adjusted my sails to reach my new destination and dream of starting my own business. This change allowed me to have the work life balance I found I needed, particularly after the events of 2020. Reading the simple parable Who Moved my Cheese by Dr Spencer Johnson, I realised that in order to deal with the stress of redundancy I had to adapt and change quickly and so after careful planning, Haze Environmental Ltd was launched. In short, I am the face of a small-scale environmental practice here to provide a personal environmental service to clients that share my enthusiasm for efficient delivery of professional services. Chloe Fellows | Director | Haze Environmental Ltd