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Open fires and wood-burning stoves can cause breathing problems such as asthma attacks and contribute to other health conditions.
Simple steps to reduce environmental and health impacts
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have produced a leaflet that provides simple steps for those that use wood burning stoves or open fires to reduce environmental and health impacts.
The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles, known as particulate matter. They can settle in the airway and deep in the lungs and cause health problems. The health effects of particle air pollution have been widely studied. They include premature death and the worsening of heart and lung disease, often increasing admissions to hospital.
Reduce the harmful health effects caused by smoke
Councillor Aniket Patel, responsible for Commercial & Regulatory Services said:
Open fires and wood-burning stoves have risen in popularity over recent years, they make up 38% of the UK’s primary emissions of fine particulate matter.
There is no safe exposure level for particulate matter.
If you regularly use open fires or wood-burning stoves please read this leaflet. Think about what you are burning and consider burning less, maintain your stove and chimney, and make sure your stove has been approved for use in smoke control areas by DEFRA or is an Ecodesign Ready stove.
With people due to spend more time in their homes this winter, I urge everyone with an open fire or stove to follow this advice and reduce the harmful health effects caused by inhaling smoke.
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