Domestic burning is one of the largest sources of fine particulate matter air pollution in the UK
Calls are growing for an outright ban on log burners and wood-burning fireplaces in British homes. A newly published report by Ricardo, a leading environmental and strategic consultancy, reveals that cutting the use of solid fuels in UK households could generate savings of up to £54 million in healthcare costs annually, while potentially saving as many as 1,500 lives.
The report examined the health consequences of domestic burning throughout the UK, concluding that it represents one of the most significant sources of fine particulate air pollution in the country, which can contribute to heart and lung disease, stroke, cancer and numerous other serious conditions, reports Birmingham Live. Commenting on the findings, Guy Hitchcock, Air Quality Technical Director, said: "Domestic burning releases fine pollution particles that can be absorbed through the lungs and bloodstream, leading to or exacerbating health issues including asthma, lung cancer, diabetes, and stroke – among others.
"This directly affects individuals in houses where burning takes place, but also neighbours and communities. From an economic perspective, these health issues cost the NHS millions every year and take up significant resource. Not only would reducing domestic burning improve public health, but it would reduce economic losses from time off work.
" Larissa Lockwood, Director of Policy and Campaigns at Global Action Plan – the charity behind Clean Air Night – said: "We all need to stay warm this winter, and we also need to think about the health impacts of our heating choices. "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, putting people in hospital, and contributing to serious health conditions for people across the UK.
It's an uncomfortable fact, but the health burden of wood burning on the British public is simply too big to ignore. Existing measures to curb wood burning emissions are not tackling the burning problem at hand.
"The UK Labour Party government must take action to ensure everyone can access cleaner, greener and more affordable heating – including ensuring homes are properly insulated – as well as strengthening powers to allow local authorities to tackle air pollution, and providing clear guidance for the public on the health harms of burning wood and other solid fuels in our homes. "
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