Experts have issued an urgent warning against wood-burning stoves, as research shows they produce more pollution than traffic.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham found that wood burning activities contribute ‘significantly’ to levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Birmingham and the West Midlands.
In fact, biomass burning now accounts for 25 percent of the total mass of PM2.5, according to experts.
Worryingly, previous studies have shown that exposure to high levels of PM2.5 can increase the risk of several serious diseases.
These include respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, low birth rates, and high death rates.
Based on the findings, the researchers want to take ‘urgent’ steps to reduce wood burning.
Professor Zongbo Shi, one of the authors of the new study, said: “We need to see immediate and coordinated action in rural areas and countries to reduce wood burning, improve air quality – including the development and promotion of smoke-free areas to reduce emissions. wood burning stoves and open fires.
‘This has great potential to reduce PM2.5-related health risks and reduce mortality in the community.’
Experts have issued an urgent warning over wood-burning stoves, as research shows they produce more pollution than the number of cars on the road (stock image)
PM2.5 refers to air particles or droplets with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less.
Such pollution can come from a variety of sources including burning wood, vehicle and industrial emissions, power plants, cooking, cigarettes, and smoking.
It represents a ‘health problem’, according to experts, because it can enter our lungs.
In their study, the researchers analyzed PM2.5 sources in Birmingham and the West Midlands.
They then compared the results with data collected in 2008-2010.
Their analysis showed that PM2.5 levels associated with wood burning are now seven times higher than those observed in 2008-2010.
The team also found that the effect of wood is especially pronounced in winter.
As people use wood burners to heat their homes during these colder months, the researchers found that wood burning contributed to almost half of the PM2.5 concentration.
Biomass burning now accounts for 25 percent of the total mass of PM2.5, according to experts.
‘Our study shows a significant increase in wood burning activity over the past 10 years, making it one of the most important sources of air pollution in the West Midlands,’ said Dr Deepcahndra Srivastava, lead author of the study.
The researchers recommend that the public be informed about the health effects of burning wood, and promote ‘best practices’.
This includes dry wood burning, automatic seasoning, and proper oven maintenance.
The group also wants local laws to be strengthened to encourage the use of cleaner methods, such as electric heating or heat pumps.
Larissa Lockwood, Director of Clean Air at the Global Action Plan, said: “Fire burning in our homes is now the biggest source of air pollution in the UK, posing a number of health risks including heart and lung disease, diabetes, and dementia.
‘Despite mounting evidence of the UK’s burning problem – such as this new study from the University of Birmingham – many people still don’t know that burning wood is damaging our health and the planet.
“While many are working to highlight these issues at times like Clean Air Night, we need urgent action from central government to share these issues with the people of the UK and empower governments to tackle this growing source of air pollution in ways that are right for communities. theirs.’
