Burning wood and coal in homes contributes to nearly 2,500 deaths a year in the UK, according to a new analysis. The study, commissioned by the charity Global Action Plan and Hertfordshire County Council, found that ending unnecessary burning would save the NHS more than £54m annually.
Wood-burning stoves and open fires are among the biggest sources of fine particulate pollution, which can cause heart and lung disease. The research links this pollution to 3,700 cases of diabetes and 1,500 cases of asthma per year, although the true health impact is likely to be higher.
More than 90% of households have alternative heating sources, and only around 10% of people say they burn wood or coal out of necessity, with many using fires for their visual appeal. Existing smoke control regulations were also found to be largely ineffective, with an estimated 15,000 complaints to local authorities in the past year resulting in only 24 fines.
Larissa Lockwood, from Global Action Plan, said: “Air pollution from wood-burning stoves is cutting lives short and putting people in hospital – the health burden on the British public is simply too big to ignore.” Dr Abi Whitehouse, a children’s respiratory doctor, added that the smoke and fine particles can worsen asthma and contribute to long-term respiratory issues, affecting not just the homeowner but also neighbours.
The analysis, conducted by environmental consultancy Ricardo, is likely to underestimate the damage because it focuses on outdoor air pollution. The report warned that “no safe level of air pollution” exists, and noted that even government-approved “eco” wood burners produce 450 times more pollution than gas heating. The government has promised to tighten emissions limits for new stoves, but no legislation has yet been introduced, with a spokesperson saying a revised plan will be published in due course.
