Warning issued to households with wood burners ahead of tomorrow
An urgent warning has been issued to householders with wood burners ahead of this Wednesday.
Environmental charity Global Action Plan has arranged a Clean Air Night tomorrow, January 22, in an attempt to highlight issues caused by using wood burners and also to shine a light on the risks it can have on your health and the environment.
According to the Clean Air Hub, even if you are using new, modern wood burners you are still putting yourself at risk of developing health complications. This is due to the fact wood burners contain fine particle air pollution and when inhaled can cause heart and lung disease, as well as diabetes and dementia.
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The group said: "If you can smell wood burning, you are breathing in harmful air pollution.
"Wood burning smoke contains fine particle air pollution (PM2.5), which enters your bloodstream when inhaled and causes heart and lung disease, diabetes, and dementia.
"Burning wood is the most polluting way to heat your home. Recent research reveals that even homes using newer 'ecodesign' wood burners are three times more polluted than those without."
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The charity is urging people to raise awareness and spread the message to friends and family who may be using a wood or log burner this Wednesday night, reports the Express.
They added: "This Clean Air Night - January 22, 2025 - get involved by learning the facts about wood burning and how it harms your health and the planet, then share what you learn with your family, friends, and community to spark conversations about the harms of wood burning and protect everyone's health."
The charity says that not only do wood and smokeless fuels produce harmful emissions, they’re also more expensive than traditional gas boilers to run.
It continues: "Wood burners are more expensive to heat your home than gas boilers or heat pumps unless you have access to private woodland and can forage your own wood. Scrap wood that hasn’t been properly dried or seasoned or has coatings such as varnish or paint can be extremely toxic when burned."
The Energy Saving Trust says that wood burners are harmful and could also land you with a fine.
It said: "Local authorities in England have started issuing fines for illegal log burner use. These new powers come after a change in regulations on domestic burning to reduce levels of pollutants from smoke, which are harmful to human health.
"Local authorities in England have the power to issue fines starting from £175 for people breaking these rules. But the fines can go as high as £300.
"You could also get a fine of up to £1,000 for using unauthorised fuel in an appliance that’s not on the Defra-exempt list.
"If the situation goes to court, fines could be as high as £5,000 for repeat offenders."
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