New wood-burning stoves to carry health warnings in UK plan

"New wood-burning stoves will carry a health warning highlighting the impact of the air pollution they produce, under UK government plans. Ministers have also proposed cutting the limit on the smoke emitted from wood burners by 80%. However, the measure would only apply to new stoves, most of which already meet the stricter limit. The new limit would only cut the annual toxic emissions from wood burning in the UK by 9% over the next decade, according to the consultation."

"Clean air campaigners said the proposals ignore the pollution from existing stoves and compared less polluting stoves to low-tar cigarettes. Pollution from burning in homes is one of the UK's biggest sources of air pollution, contributing 20% of fine particles, about the same as all road transport. The fine particles are the most dangerous air pollutant for human health, the government said. Wood-burning stoves and fires in homes are linked to 2,500 early deaths a year in the UK, according"

"Emma Hardy, the air quality minister, said: 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 emission levels and introducing new labels as outlined in our consultation, families will be able to make better, healthier choices when heating their homes. The UK-wide consultation proposes labels for new stoves that clearly state the impact burning solid fuels has on the"

The government plans to require health warnings and stricter emission limits for new wood-burning stoves. Ministers propose an 80% cut in the smoke limit for stoves, but the change would apply only to new appliances, many of which already meet the tighter standard. The proposed limit is expected to reduce annual toxic emissions from domestic wood burning by about 9% over the next decade. Domestic burning contributes roughly 20% of fine particulate pollution, is linked to thousands of early deaths and illnesses, and campaigners say existing stoves remain unaddressed. New labels would state health impacts and rate energy efficiency.

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