New wood-burning stoves will carry health warnings under UK government proposals to reduce air pollution. The plans include cutting the smoke emission limit for new stoves by 80%, from 5g per hour to 1g per hour, though most new stoves already meet this standard. The measure would reduce total toxic emissions from wood burning by only 10% over the next decade, according to the consultation.
Pollution from home wood burning accounts for 20% of fine particulate matter in the UK, roughly equal to road transport. These particles are the most dangerous air pollutant for human health, linked to 2,500 early deaths annually, as well as 3,700 cases of diabetes and 1,500 asthma cases. About 12% of households use wood burners, but over 90% have alternative heating sources, many using them for aesthetic reasons.
Air quality minister Emma Hardy said: “Dirty air robs people of their health and costs our NHS millions each year to treat lung conditions and asthma. We are determined to clean up our air.” The proposed label for new stoves would state: “Please be aware that this appliance emits air pollution into and around your home which can harm your health.” Wood sold for burning would also carry a health warning.
Clean air campaigners criticised the plans as insufficient. Larissa Lockwood of Global Action Plan said: “A less polluting stove is like a low tar cigarette: it’s slightly better for your health, but still significantly worse than not using them in the first place.” Jemima Hartshorn from Mums for Lungs added: “Non-essential wood burning needs to end. The consultation outline does not go far enough – it only suggests measures that will reduce wood burning from new stoves but does not address the huge pollution emitted by existing stoves.”
The consultation also proposes increasing fines for selling insufficiently dry wood from £300 to £2,000, as damp wood produces more pollution. The new emission standard would take effect three to five years after the law is passed. Research found no prosecutions for illegal wood burning in England in the year to August 2025, despite 15,195 complaints, with only 24 fines issued.
