Health experts issue warning and call for tighter regulations of wood burning stoves

A leading lung charity is issuing a health warning and urging families to be aware of the risks wood burners pose, as data shows that over the past three years, on average, December has been the worst for air pollution in Northern Ireland.¹ Burning materials such as wood emit a toxic cocktail of particles that can trigger lung conditions and negatively impact children’s lung development.²

The new analysis looked at six urban background monitoring stations in Northern Ireland between January 2021 and December 2023. It shows pollution levels peaked in December and were at their lowest in August. Concentrations of PM2.5 were 104% higher in December/January compared to June/July. Similarly, average PM10 concentrations were 60% higher in December/January compared to June/July.³

PM2.5 emissions from domestic combustion has steadily increased in the last 30 years in the UK, where it is now the single largest source of PM2.5 in 2021.⁴ Residential combustion of wood and coal in stoves and open fires is a large contributor to emissions of particulate matter both in the UK and across Europe and is a contributing factor towards elevated concentrations in winter months.⁵

Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland wants to raise awareness of the health impact of domestic burning so people know the risks and can make more informed decisions on how they heat their homes. The charity explains that if you already have a lung condition, are elderly or very young - prolonged or even short term, exposure can be harmful. It has also been linked to the increased likelihood of developing heart conditions, cancer, strokes, mental health issues and dementia.

Dr Neil Rowland, Senior Research Fellow, ADRC-NI, Queens University Belfast, and Regional Clean Air Champion for Northern Ireland said:

“Wood burning releases smoke and other toxic particles into the air. Even “Eco-design” stoves emit 450 times more air pollution than gas boilers, and new research suggests they are a more expensive way to heat your home.

“Smoke and other particles damage our health in many ways, and long-term exposure to fine particles was associated with roughly 900 premature deaths in Northern Ireland in 2019, mainly through damage to the lungs and heart. As the winter temperatures drop, we can all help to improve air quality by relying less on our fires and stoves and using our gas/oil boilers instead.”

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland said:  

“The idea of cosy wood burning stove in the winter might sound appealing, but burning wood in our homes could be putting ourselves and our neighbours at risk. 

“Burning wood is a source of air pollution both inside and outside homes, particularly PM_2.5, which is the most dangerous pollutant to human health. 

“The vast majority of stoves are being installed in area with access to mainline gas supplies for secondary heating sources. Most people see them as a green alternative to coal or gas, and are unaware of the dangers, both for them and for their neighbours, of the air pollution it can cause. 

“That is why we’re calling on the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to provide the general public with more education about the dangers of air pollution, including the dangers that domestic woodburning can cause to people’s health and information on cleaner and affordable alternatives.” 

Asthma + Lung Northern Ireland are calling for:  

1. Implementation of the draft Clean Air Strategy.
2. A ban on the sale of the most polluting fuels such as house coal and wet wood.
3. Work with Local Councils to set up pollution monitoring stations in every community, to help identify hotspots.
4. Use data from increased monitoring to communicate health alerts to better inform people living with lung conditions. 

-Ends - 

For further information, please contact: Stephanie Woodland, Communications Officer, Asthma + Lung UK NI on 07549049923 / swoodland@asthmaandlung.org.uk

Notes to editors: 

Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland is the only charity in Northern Ireland fighting for everyone with a lung condition, aiming for a world where everyone can breathe with healthy lungs. We fund research. We provide advice and support for the 1 in 5 people who will get a lung condition during their lifetime. We campaign for clean air and for better diagnosis and treatment.   

References

1 The table below shows the average l six urban background monitoring stations in Northern Ireland between January 2021 and December 2023. December showing the highest levels of PM2.5 and PM10: https://www.airqualityni.co.uk/summary

2 How does air pollution affect children's lungs? | Asthma + Lung UK (asthmaandlung.org.uk)

3 PM levels peaked in December and were at their lowest in August. Concentrations of PM2.5 were 104% higher (11.2ug/m3 vs 5.5ug/m3) in December/January compared to June/July. Similarly, average PM10 concentrations were 60% higher (9.5ug/m3 vs 15.2ug/m3) in December/January compared to June/July. Source: https://www.airqualityni.co.uk/summary

4 Emissions of air pollutants in the UK – Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

5 Particulate matter (PM10/PM2.5) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)