Tech Deck Tricks: Going Green: Impact Of Wood Burners On Air Pollution

Every time I'm asked a question about wood burning stoves I take a deep breath before answering because the subject can be very difficult for people as it conjures up images of winter walks in country pubs, but when people have asthma it's not a nice picture .

People are often shocked to learn that wood stoves emit 750 times more particulate matter than modern trucks.

Wood burning stoves and open fires are the second biggest source of particulate air pollution in the UK.

Even homes equipped with eco-friendly burners, which are supposed to burn more efficiently, are three times more polluted than homes without them. In terms of CO2 emissions, it is half that of gas boilers.

Simply put, this is very bad news for the environment, even if you're burning clean, sustainable wood.

Around 1.5 million Britons own a wood stove, but the Government is introducing new rules.

Burners in designated smoke control zones, which cover almost all UK cities, can emit just three grams of smoke an hour instead of five grams.

Anyone caught breaking the new rules could face a £300 on-the-spot fine.

Even if you follow the rules, other problems can arise with wood stoves.

First, if the chimney or flue is not cleaned properly, there is a risk of the chimney fire spreading to your home. You will also need a carbon monoxide detector.

Second, during the cost of living crisis, some people are tempted to gather whatever wood they can find. They often dive into dumpsters to store scrap metal or wood. But it is often treated and can release harmful gases or substances that can be harmful to human health. Burning treated wood can release toxic arsenic.

Painted wood often releases chemicals when burned, as paint can contain various chemicals that can cause respiratory illnesses.

Older furnaces are less environmentally friendly than newer versions, and manufacturers are constantly trying to improve them. So if you insist on not getting rid of them completely, it's worth looking for a more environmentally friendly version.

In terms of what you can buy to burn, DEFRA has a certified list of the solid fuels it produces which can be found here: https://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/fuels.php?country=england. A general rule of thumb is to use dry, clean wood rather than wet or treated wood. Hardwood burns longer than softwood, but is more expensive.

If possible, try to limit the use of wood stoves. I know it's easier said than done and they can be a way to relax - a fire isn't called a "cave TV" for nothing.

But if you manage to limit your consumption, you will make a big contribution to protecting the environment and your health and that of your neighbours.