Guildford Borough Council urges residents to support Clean Air Night
Did you know that wood burning is one of the most polluting ways to heat your home? Wood burning produces fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5). This has the following effects:
- it enters your bloodstream when inhaled,
- it can cause heart and lung disease,
- it can increase your risk of diabetes and dementia.
The Global Centre for Clean Air Research at the University of Surrey has found that even modern 'Ecodesign' stoves, while reducing some emissions, still release large numbers of ultrafine particles. This happens especially when lighting and refuelling.
Most homes in the UK are airtight and have limited ventilation, especially during winter. As a result, these tiny particles can enter living spaces and contribute to indoor air pollution. This occurs even when the stove is vented through a flue.
If wood were only burned when no other heat source was available, the UK could prevent more than 1,500 deaths every year. It could also save the NHS over £54 million in healthcare costs. That's almost 1.5 million GP appointments.
Cllr Merel Rehorst-Smith, Lead Councillor for Regulatory Services at Guildford Borough Council, said:
"Clean Air Night is a great opportunity for us all to think about the impact of our choices. Burning wood might feel comforting, but it can come at a real cost to our health and our community.
"We don't want to spoil anyone's enjoyment or say you should never use a wood-burning stove - just be mindful of the impact. By pledging to go fire-free for one night or, even better, for a longer period, or by seeking alternatives, we can all help reduce harmful pollution and protect the wellbeing of our families and neighbours."
More information about our air quality monitoring work is on our website.