Environment

UK research links domestic wood burning to rising health risks and premature deaths

Sunday, 26 October 2025 7:15AM UTC

New studies reveal that the increasing use of wood-burning stoves and open fires in UK homes is contributing to thousands of premature deaths and chronic illnesses, prompting calls for stronger regulation and cleaner alternatives.

New research has sounded a stark warning to everyone who uses wood burners or coal fires in their homes, linking these domestic heating methods to serious health consequences in the UK. The studies reveal that wood-burning stoves and open fires contributed to nearly 2,500 premature deaths last year. Beyond mortality, the toxic air pollution generated by these sources has also been associated with 3,700 new cases of diabetes and 1,500 new cases of asthma annually. The findings suggest the health burden posed by wood-burning is significant and growing, particularly given the rising popularity of these appliances in recent years.

Wood burners and open fires are among the largest sources of fine particulate matter, specifically PM2.5, which are tiny particles capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and bloodstream and affecting nearly every organ. According to experts, including those from University College London and environmental consultancy Ricardo, there is no safe level of PM2.5 exposure. This pollution can cause or exacerbate heart disease, lung disease, dementia, strokes, and respiratory issues like asthma. The health damage indoors is likely even greater than estimated from outdoor air pollution data, as smaller indoor spaces increase exposure levels.

One of the studies, drawing on data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and other sources, found that wood burning appliances tend to be used more in affluent, predominantly white neighbourhoods, including within legally designated Smoke Control Zones where their use is supposed to be limited. Measurements of lung function over eight years among a sample group indicated that people using indoor wood burners experienced significantly faster declines in lung capacity compared to those not exposed. This supports growing concerns that domestic wood burning causes long-term respiratory damage similar in nature to cigarette smoke.

Despite the harms, enforcement of smoke control regulations appears weak. Recent data shows around 15,000 complaints were made about wood-burning last year, yet just 24 fines were issued. Health experts and environmental campaigners are calling for stronger government action to regulate domestic burning more effectively and provide clearer public health guidance. The estimated annual cost to the NHS from illnesses linked to wood-burning pollution exceeds £54 million, with broader economic costs, including lost productivity, reaching hundreds of millions.

The London Wood Burning Project’s findings further underscore the local health impacts, estimating that domestic wood burning in London alone causes nearly 300 deaths, alongside numerous hospital admissions and new cases of stroke, coronary heart disease, lung cancer, and childhood asthma each year. The project calculates that these impacts result in over 3,400 years of life lost annually in the capital and impose an economic burden approaching £200 million.

Public health leaders stress the urgent need for cleaner heating alternatives that do not compromise the warmth homes require. Dr Abi Whitehouse, a children’s respiratory specialist, highlighted how the smoke and fine particles from wood burners worsen asthma symptoms and can trigger attacks. The pollution created not only affects users but also neighbours who breathe the contaminated air. Larissa Lockwood from the charity Global Action Plan emphasised that the health burden from wood-burning pollution is "too big to ignore" and called for enhanced local authority powers and public guidance.

Some experts from the European Respiratory Society warn that even newer, supposedly cleaner eco-design wood stoves may not be entirely risk-free, especially given the widespread use of older models in many European homes. They urge healthcare providers to consider domestic wood burning as a potential environmental risk factor when evaluating patients with unexplained respiratory decline.

In summary, the increasing prevalence of domestic wood burning in UK households poses a major public health challenge, contributing to a range of chronic diseases and premature deaths. The evidence suggests that stronger regulation, better enforcement, public education, and the promotion of cleaner heating technologies are vital steps to mitigate this hidden but significant health hazard.

📌 Reference Map:

Paragraph 1 – ^[1] (Examiner Live), ^[2] (ITV News)
Paragraph 2 – ^[1] (Examiner Live), ^[3] (Clean Air Hub), ^[7] (STV News)
Paragraph 3 – ^[1] (Examiner Live), ^[7] (STV News)
Paragraph 4 – ^[1] (Examiner Live)
Paragraph 5 – ^[5] (London Wood Burning Project), ^[6] (London Wood Burning Project)
Paragraph 6 – ^[1] (Examiner Live), ^[7] (STV News)
Paragraph 7 – ^[1] (Examiner Live), ^[4] (The Independent)
Paragraph 8 – ^[1] (Examiner Live), ^[7] (STV News)

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/health/everyone-wood-burners-given-warning-32745802 - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.itv.com/news/2025-10-23/ending-domestic-wood-burning-could-save-the-nhs-54-million-a-year - A recent study indicates that burning wood and coal at home contributes to nearly 2,500 deaths annually in the UK. Ceasing the use of wood-burning stoves and open fires could save the NHS over £54 million each year. The analysis highlights that domestic burning is a significant source of toxic fine particle air pollution, leading to heart and lung diseases. The report also links this pollution to over 3,700 new cases of diabetes and nearly 1,500 new cases of asthma annually. Experts suggest that eliminating unnecessary indoor burning would substantially reduce healthcare costs and improve public health.
https://www.cleanairhub.org.uk/clean-air-information/the-basic-information/wood-burners - Wood-burning appliances, such as stoves and open fires, are among the largest sources of harmful small particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution in the UK. These fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to serious health issues like heart disease, lung disease, dementia, and strokes. The World Health Organization has identified PM2.5 as the most harmful pollutant to human health. The increasing popularity of wood burners has raised concerns about their impact on air quality and public health, prompting calls for clearer public health guidance and regulation around domestic wood burning.
https://www.the-independent.com/news/health/wood-burning-fires-deaths-uk-b2850712.html - Research has found that burning wood and coal in homes contributes to approximately 2,500 deaths each year in the UK. Open fires and wood-burning stoves are significant sources of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, affecting every organ in the body. This toxic air pollution is also linked to over 3,700 new cases of diabetes and nearly 1,500 new cases of asthma annually. Experts suggest that stopping unnecessary indoor burning could save the NHS more than £54 million each year and prevent £164 million in wider productivity costs to the UK economy annually.
https://woodburning.london/2023/12/05/health-impact-evaluation/ - A health impact evaluation conducted by the London Wood Burning Project assessed the health consequences of domestic wood burning in London. The study found that wood burning contributes to 284 deaths, 80 respiratory hospital admissions, 60 new cases of stroke, 50 new cases of coronary heart disease, 30 new cases of lung cancer, and 90 new cases of asthma in children annually. The cumulative effect leads to over 3,400 years of lost life each year, with a three-week reduction in life expectancy at birth for all persons in London. The economic burden of these health impacts is estimated at £187 million annually, with an additional £10 million in economic losses.
https://woodburning.london/health-impact/ - The London Wood Burning Project highlights that domestic solid fuel burning, including wood and coal, contributes 15% of London's fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution. Exposure to PM2.5 is linked to serious health issues such as asthma, heart disease, lung cancer, and strokes. The project emphasizes that there is no safe level of PM2.5 pollution and calls for stricter regulations on wood-burning stoves and increased public awareness about the health risks associated with domestic burning. The initiative also underscores the need for cleaner heating alternatives to protect public health.
https://news.stv.tv/scotland/wood-burning-stoves-linked-to-2500-deaths-a-year-study-finds - A new report indicates that wood-burning stoves and open fires are responsible for approximately 2,500 premature deaths annually in the UK. The study highlights that domestic burning is the largest single source of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions, surpassing road transport and industry. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, affecting every organ in the body. The report also notes that only 8% of the UK population owns a wood burner, and of these, only 8% burn out of necessity. The growing popularity of wood burners, often seen as a cosy or eco-friendly option, is having a serious impact on public health.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative presents recent findings on the health impacts of domestic wood burning, with references to studies from September 2025. However, similar reports have been published in the past, such as a study from January 2025 highlighting the health risks of wood-burning stoves. ([independent.co.uk](https://www.independent.co.uk/independentpremium/uk-news/wood-burner-burning-stove-pollution-health-b1776405.html?utm_source=openai)) The presence of a press release suggests a high freshness score, but the repetition of similar content across multiple outlets indicates some recycled information.

Quotes check

Score: 7

Notes: The article includes direct quotes from experts like Dr. Abi Whitehouse and Larissa Lockwood. A search reveals that similar statements have been made in previous reports, indicating potential reuse of content. However, no exact matches were found, suggesting some originality.

Source reliability

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative originates from Examiner Live, a regional news outlet. While it references reputable sources like University College London and environmental consultancy Ricardo, the primary source's credibility is moderate. The presence of a press release indicates a higher freshness score but also suggests potential bias.

Plausability check

Score: 9

Notes: The claims about the health risks of wood-burning stoves are consistent with existing research. Studies have linked indoor wood burning to respiratory issues and lung function decline. ([ucl.ac.uk](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/sep/indoor-wood-burners-linked-decline-lung-function?utm_source=openai)) The narrative's tone and language are appropriate for the topic and region, with no inconsistencies noted.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative presents recent findings on the health risks of domestic wood burning, with references to studies from September 2025. However, similar reports have been published in the past, indicating some recycled content. The presence of a press release suggests a high freshness score but also potential bias. While the claims are consistent with existing research, the moderate credibility of the primary source and potential reuse of content warrant further scrutiny.

Public health
Air pollution
Wood burners