Non-essential timber fires are costing the health system dearly, at a time when doctors are raising flags about the challenges posed by the climate crisis.
According to research by Global Action Plan and Hertfordshire County Council, air pollution is causing Britons to collectively lose 27,000 years of life, equating to 2,500 annual deaths. Meanwhile, over 3,700 cases of diabetes and nearly 1,500 asthma diagnoses are directly attributed to impurities in the atmosphere.
Nevertheless, wood burning stoves, cinemas and fire pits continue to grow in popularity, but 92% of owners already have another way to heat their home. The impact of this lifestyle choice is pronounced, releasing fine particulate matter into the air, effectively poisoning residents, neighbours and the wider community. The NHS spends an average £54million on associated healthcare costs each year, with the wider UK economy losing out on some £164million GDP.
“We all need to stay warm this winter, and we also need to think about the health impacts of our heating choices,” said Larissa Lockwood, Director of Policy & Campaigns at Global Action Plan – the charity behind Clean Air Night. “An open fire or wood burning stove is the most polluting way to heat a home – air pollution from wood burning stoves is cutting lives short, putting people in hospital, and contributing to serious health conditions for people across the UK.
“ It’s an uncomfortable fact, but the health burden of wood burning on the British public is simply too big to ignore,” they continued. “Existing measures to curb wood burning emissions are not tackling the burning problem at hand. The UK Government must take action to ensure everyone can access cleaner, greener and more affordable heating – including ensuring homes are properly insulated – as well as strengthening powers to allow local authorities to tackle air pollution and providing clear guidance for the public on the health harms of burning wood and other solid fuels in our homes.”
The next Clean Air Night is 22 January 2026.
Image: Ellienore B. / Unsplash
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