THE Scottish Government are facing calls to impose regulations on wood burning stoves to limit air pollution.
Asthma and Lung UK Scotland are calling on Scottish ministers to increase public awareness of the pollutants associated with domestic burning, claiming many people view wood burners as a green alternative to coal or gas.
They are also calling for a ban on the sale of the most polluting fuels such as house coal and wet wood as well as a nationwide scrappage scheme for the most inefficient burners.
Heat from a wood-burning stove is mainly confined to one room and is often used in conjunction with, and not instead of, central heating.
Using a wood-burning stove, in combination with gas central heating. could save the average household £131 a year, according to previous analysis by Gemserv.
However, there is concern over the dangers of indoor air pollution the stoves produce and the impact on the environment and people’s health.
Joseph Carter, head of devolved nations for the charity, said: “The idea of a cosy wood burning stove in the winter might sound appealing.
“But burning wood in our homes could be putting ourselves and our neighbours at risk and is a really inefficient way of heating a home. Burning wood is a source of air pollution both inside and outside homes, particularly PM2.5, which is the most dangerous pollutant to human health.
He added: “The vast majority of stoves are being installed in areas with access to mainline gas supplies for secondary heating sources.
“Most people see them as a green alternative to coal or gas, and are unaware of the dangers, both for them and for their neighbours, of the air pollution it can cause.”
What regulations are already in place?
Recent regulations mean all stoves sold in the UK must incorporate Ecodesign which drastically cuts back on the release of unhealthy particulate matter (PM).
Across the UK, there’s been an 89% increase in PM2.5 emissions from wood burning as a fuel between 2010 and 2021. PM2.5 consists of fine particles of less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter that can penetrate deeper into the lungs, the heart and blood stream.
The Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) says an Ecodesign compliant wood burning stove produces up to 80% less particulate matter compared to an older, basic stove model and up to 90% less than an open fire.
Is the Scottish Government considering a ban?
It is estimated that the NHS in Scotland spends £500 million each year on lung disease, including lung cancer and respiratory infections, making it the fourth most costly disease area.
A centre-right think tank has recently suggested the inclusion of warning labels to curb the problem, and the Conservative Environment Network, a grouping of more than 100 green-minded Tories, backed their recommendations. However, the UK Government has said they are not considering an outright ban for England.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: 'There is an increased focus on awareness-raising and education around good burning practice amongst the public, together with encouraging uptake of the cleanest and most technologically advanced stoves on the market.
“We are also planning a comprehensive review of the Clean Air Act 1993.”
