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.