An annual analysis report reveals that hundreds of deaths in the UK are linked to wood burners.
According to the Guardian analysis report commissioned by the Global Action Plan (GAP) alongside Hertfordshire County council in UK informs that the burning of wood and coal in homes is toxic to health as it contributes to more than 2500 deaths per year in the UK.
Researchers explained that open fires are the biggest source of air pollution and the use of wood burning stoves in the UK have increased in recent years which contributes to heart and lung diseases.
The annual reports also link this toxic air pollution to 3700 cases of diabetes and 1500 cases of asthma per year, though the health impacts are likely to be underestimated.
Moreover, the experts concluded that stopping unnecessary burning of wood would save the National Health Service (NHS) more than £54m cost a year.
In addition to that, the analysis estimated the impact of extending smoke and found that this would prevent about 320 deaths a year and cut healthcare costs by about £11m.
The analysis also suggests enforcing existing smoke control area regulations to prevent such harmful impact.
According to the report, more than 90% of people have other sources of heating and only 10% of people burn wood at home through stoves or wood burners.
Larissa Lockwood from Global Action Plan said, “We all need to stay warm this winter but an open fire or wood-burning stove is the most polluting way to heat a home.”
“Air pollution from wood-burning stoves is cutting lives short and putting people in hospital – the health burden on the British public is simply too big to ignore.” Larissa added.
Recent reports indicate that almost 15000 complaints about wood burning or coal smoldering were made to local authorities but only 24 fines were issued.
Furthermore, Larissa suggests that government needs to strengthen the powers of local authorities to provide clear guidance to the public on the harmful impacts of burning coals, woods and other solid fuels and help people to install clean heating alternatives at home.
Pulmonologist Abi Whitehouse from east London said, “The smoke and fine particles released by wood-burning stoves can worsen asthma symptoms, trigger attacks, and contribute to long-term respiratory issues.”
DR Abi also suggests that such consequences are entirely preventable with cleaner heating choices because “It’s not just our own homes that will be impacted, but the air that makes it into the homes of our neighbours as well.”
Furthermore, the analysis conducted by Ricardo from leading environmental consultancy was likely to underestimate the health damage caused by means of the air pollution.
The report explains that “the exposure impact indoors is likely to be significantly higher, increasing ill-health potential, as compared to outdoors.”
