Wood burning at home now biggest cause of UK particle pollution.

[2greys]

Domestic wood burning has become the single biggest source of small particle air pollution in the UK, producing three times more than road traffic, government data shows.

Just 8% of the population cause this pollution by burning wood indoors, according to a separate government-commissioned report. It found almost half of those burning indoors were affluent and many chose a fire for aesthetic reasons, rather than heat.

Tiny particle pollution is harmful to health as it can enter the bloodstream, be carried around the body and lodge in organs. The government is not planning a ban on wood burners but a ban on the retail sale of wet wood will come into force on 1 May, as will a ban on bags of house coal, the first such restrictions since the clean air acts of the 1950s. Wet wood has not been seasoned and produces higher levels of pollution.

The new government statistics show that domestic wood burning in both closed stoves and open fires was responsible for 38% of the pollution particles under 2.5 microns in size (PM2.5) in 2019, the latest year for which data is available. The report said PM2.5 emissions from this source had more than doubled since 2003, to 41,000 tonnes a year, and increased by 1% between 2018 and 2019. Road traffic caused 12% of PM2.5 in 2019.

theguardian.com/environment...

[Nimrod2]

My neighbours have one and it does worry me as I have COPD. With the wind in the wrong direction I can smell it in my sitting room. Wish they would ban themx

[CDPO16]

It isn't surprising really given the huge number of log burners. My neighbours have one and another neighbour regularly burns wood waste from his workshop in his garden. Even with all the windows closed the smoke permeates into the house. In my village I think half of the homes have log burners.

[Jaybird19 in reply to CDPO16]

should ban garden bonfires too

[CDPO16 in reply to Jaybird19]

I agree. They actually aren't allowed without council permission but that neighbour is one who lives by his own rules!

[Jaybird19 in reply to CDPO16]

didnt know that . is that so all over the country ?

[CDPO16 in reply to Jaybird19]

I think so but I'm not absolutely certain. Your local council website may have more information if you want to check

[mylungshateme in reply to CDPO16]

Oh I'm going to check my council website thanks! My neighbour about 4 times a week does a fire in garden an was leaving it smouldering over night until my partner had a few words! I was having asthma attacks and every room in our house stank of smoke even with all air vents closed!! Still doing fires but does put them out now eventually..

[2greys in reply to mylungshateme]

You can complain to the Environmental Health Department at your council, as the fires are causing a statutory nuisance.