In a move to address the growing concerns over air pollution, the UK government has unveiled plans to significantly reduce the smoke emissions from new wood-burning stoves. The proposed limit for smoke emissions from these appliances is set to be slashed from the current 5g per hour to just 1g per hour, a reduction of 80%.
The proposed measures, outlined in a government consultation, also include the introduction of health warnings on new wood-burning stoves, highlighting the impact of the air pollution they produce. Additionally, the government is considering requiring health warnings to be placed on the sale of wood fuel, informing consumers of the negative effects on health when burned in the home.
The consultation comes as research has linked wood-burning stoves and fires to a significant number of early deaths, cases of diabetes, and asthma in the UK. According to a recent study, these domestic sources of pollution are responsible for around 2,500 premature deaths each year, as well as 3,700 cases of diabetes and 1,500 cases of asthma.
Emma Hardy, the air quality minister, stated, “Dirty air robs people of their health and costs our NHS millions each year to treat lung conditions and asthma. We are determined to clean up our air. By limiting emissions levels and introducing new labels as outlined in our consultation, families will be able to make better, healthier choices when heating their homes.”
The consultation also proposes increasing the fines for fuel suppliers who sell insufficiently dry wood, from £300 to £2,000, as damp wood produces more pollution. The new emission standard for new stoves would not come into force for three to five years after the new law is passed, allowing the industry time to adapt.
However, the proposals have been met with some criticism from clean air campaigners, who argue that the measures do not go far enough. Larisa Lockwood, the director of clean air at Global Action Plan, stated, “While measures to tighten pollution standards for wood burning stoves and better inform people of the health risks of these products at the point of sale are a good first step, they don’t go far enough.”
Jemima Harthorn from the Mums for Lungs campaign group echoed these sentiments, saying, “The consultation outline does not go far enough – it only suggests measures that will reduce wood burning from new stoves but does not address the huge pollution emitted by existing stoves. Hopefully, the final outcome will be more aligned with scientists and health professionals and the needs of the public and children’s health.”
The consultation is open until 19 March, and the government has stated that it is determined to clean up the UK’s air and protect the health of its citizens.
