A leading doctor has issued a crucial four-point safety checklist for the millions of UK households using log burners this winter. Dr Sam Watts, a medical expert with over a decade at the University of Southampton's School of Medicine, aims to cut through the noise with clear, evidence-based advice.
The Real Risk: Poor Use, Not the Appliance
In a detailed social media post, Dr Watts clarified that a modern, well-maintained log burner is a safe and efficient heat source. The danger, he stresses, lies not in the technology itself but in how it is operated. "When they're used correctly, the door is closed virtually all the time and combustion gases are drawn up the flue, not into the room," he explained.
He pointed to indoor air quality studies which show that in homes with certified stoves, dry wood, and good ventilation, particulate levels remain within safe limits. "Context matters here," Dr Watts added. "Duration and exposure are what affect health, not momentary blips."
The Four Critical Problems to Watch For
Dr Watts identified four specific issues that can turn a log burner from a cosy asset into a health hazard. Householders are urged to take immediate action if they spot any of the following:
- Old or non-compliant stoves: Using an outdated stove that does not meet current emission standards.
- Damp wood: Burning wood with a high moisture content, which creates excessive smoke and harmful particulates.
- Smouldering fires: Running the burner with insufficient air, leading to inefficient, smoky combustion.
- Blocked flues: A chimney or flue that is obstructed, preventing dangerous gases from escaping safely outside.
Legal and Financial Consequences of Misuse
The warnings come as log burner ownership grows rapidly across the country. It is vital to use a Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance – a stove tested to meet government standards for emissions.
Burning wet, treated, or unapproved wood is not only bad for your stove and health but is also against regulations designed to combat air pollution. In Smoke Control Areas, using non-compliant fuel can result in an on-the-spot fine of up to £1,000. Repeat offenders could face prosecution and penalties of up to £5,000.
Since 2021, the sale of wet wood and house coal has been banned. Consumers should look for the government's 'Ready to Burn' certification label, which guarantees firewood has a moisture content below 20%.
"Used properly, a modern log burner is a safe, efficient heat source that millions of households rely on without issue," Dr Watts concluded. His message is clear: understand the full science, maintain your appliance correctly, and always burn the right fuel to keep your home safe and warm.
