Why Wood Burning Stoves Could Harm Your Health and the Environment: What You Need to Know

Cozying up by a fire in winter feels wonderful, but burning wood or coal for heat can be dangerous. In Europe, air pollution from this practice leads to nearly 61,000 early deaths each year.

Many people believe that wood-burning stoves are better and cleaner than traditional open fires. This might explain why their sales in the UK jumped by 40% between 2021 and 2022. However, wood-burning isn’t always the eco-friendly or healthy option it seems.

When we burn wood, it releases a mix of harmful particles and gases. These fine particles, called PM2.5, can penetrate deep into our lungs, and their composition can vary by stove and type of wood used. This smoke contains dangerous substances like carbon monoxide and various volatile organic compounds, some of which are known to cause cancer.

Wood smoke can have serious health effects. It can damage the heart and lungs, increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and worsen conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term exposure to PM2.5 from wood burning can even lead to premature death.

Besides health issues, air pollution from wood stoves results in lost workdays, rising healthcare costs, and more hospital visits.

The health risks are especially severe for older adults, children, pregnant women, and those with existing health problems. Breathing in wood smoke can lead to lung infections, making these groups more vulnerable to diseases like flu and COVID.

In countries like the UK and Ireland, burning solid fuels during winter is a major source of outdoor PM2.5 pollution. While wood is commonly used in the UK, peat burning contributes significantly to air pollution in Ireland. On cold days, air quality in small towns can be as bad as in some of the most polluted cities globally.

This pollution not only threatens outdoor air quality but also seeps into homes, degrading indoor air as well. Lighting or refueling a wood stove can release significant amounts of PM2.5 into the air, and if the house isn’t well-ventilated, these levels can take hours to lower.

Interestingly, many people choose wood stoves for the ambiance and warmth they bring. Surveys show that aesthetics often outweigh concerns about cost or health impacts. Wealthier neighborhoods in cities like London may enjoy the beauty of wood fires, while lower-income areas bear the brunt of the pollution.

Educational efforts are essential to inform people about the health risks and environmental impacts of burning wood as fuel. Initiatives like Clean Air Night in the UK and Ireland aim to raise awareness and encourage better heating practices.

Switching to more efficient and renewable heating options, such as heat pumps, can cut both costs and emissions. This shift can be particularly beneficial for those who do not source their wood themselves, as it tends to be more expensive and less sustainable.

Communities can benefit from local air quality information. For instance, real-time PM2.5 tracking allows residents to see the effects of their choices on air quality. In Cork, for example, a freely accessible map helps citizens understand pollution levels in their area.

If you use a wood burner, keeping an eye on pollution levels can help you make safer heating decisions.

For those who rely on solid fuel for heating, there are ways to reduce emissions. Use low-emission stoves and burn hot fires with sufficient air. Avoid letting fires smolder.

Be mindful of what you burn; follow regulations that prohibit burning garbage, plastics, or treated wood, as these release harmful toxins. Regular professional maintenance of stoves is crucial. Proper ventilation is also key when lighting or refueling your stove—open windows and use kitchen hoods or exhaust fans if needed.

Lastly, if you only use your stove occasionally, consider cutting back or stopping altogether. That would certainly make for cleaner air!