The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have issued a statement to go along with their recent report into the health implications of air pollution, of which woodburning is a significant contributer towards.
Within their report are some shocking facts that the Scottish and UK Government should be taking action on regarding PM2.5 emissions, the biggest source of which in the UK is from solid fuel burning. Some of the most shocking facts of their report are that:
1. Exposure to air pollution is the second leading risk factor for death in children under 5, both globally and in the UK.
2. 1 in 4 UK residents live in areas with PM2.5 levels more than twice the upper limit of WHO guidelines. This figure is on the rise due to the increase in use of woodburning stoves.
3. Woodburning disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, despite being a prevalent activity in wealthier urban households with access to alternative heat sources.
They are calling for a phase out of domestic woodburning in urban areas and recommending that help be given to assist rural residents to transition away from wood as a primary heating source. They also want to see support and fuel cost assistance being given to those in fuel poverty and an increase in public awareness on the health harms of woodburning.
We agree.