The smoke from wood heaters and open fireplaces can pollute the air we breathe, particularly during autumn and winter. Learn about wood smoke pollution, its health risks, environmental impacts, and ways to reduce it.
Health impacts and risks
Brief exposure to smoke usually does not cause immediate health problems, but it can affect:
- People with heart or lung conditions
- Pregnant women
- Young children
- The elderly
Environmental impacts
Smoke from wood heaters contributes to air pollution by releasing very small particles and gases. These can penetrate deep into your lungs and bloodstream, potentially worsening existing health conditions and affecting the health of your neighbours.
What you can do
- Where possible, consider using alternative heating methods, especially on calm days when smoke can accumulate.
- Have your wood heater and flue professionally serviced each year.
- Use only dry, seasoned, and untreated wood.
- Never burn plastics, foam, painted wood, or treated timber (e.g., railway sleepers or fence palings), as these release toxic fumes in addition to wood smoke pollutants.
- Use small to medium pieces of wood and avoid overloading your heater, which can starve the fire of oxygen and cause smouldering.
- Allow the fire to establish before adding extra fuel.
- Open the air controls for a few minutes before adding fuel; after reloading, wait until the fire is burning well before reducing the air flow.
- Do not let your fire smoulder overnight, as fine particle levels can build up during calm, cold conditions.
- Choose alternative heating where possible, such as an electric reverse-cycle air conditioner.
- Reduce heat loss by pulling down blinds and curtains, closing unused rooms, and sealing draughts.
- Check the insulation in your ceilings, walls, and floors.
- If smoke from a neighbour’s wood heater is a concern, try talking to them first. You can also report wood smoke pollution by completing the Report An Issue form.
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