Scotland is facing increasing pressure to ban the use of wood burning stoves and other solid fuels in homes, as experts warn of the health risks associated with air pollution.
Wood burning stoves linked to respiratory diseases
According to a recent study by the British Lung Foundation and Asthma UK, more than 2.4 million people in Scotland are living in areas with unsafe levels of air pollution, which can cause or worsen respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.
The study also found that wood burning stoves are a major contributor to air pollution, especially in urban areas, where they account for up to 31% of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions. PM2.5 are tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing inflammation and damage to the organs.
Dr Samantha Walker, director of research and innovation at Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation, said: “Burning wood and coal produces a cocktail of harmful pollutants which can seep into people’s lungs and increase their risk of developing serious health conditions and dying from them. We are urging the Scottish Government to follow the lead of England and Wales and commit to banning the sale of all polluting fuels and ensure that only the cleanest stoves are available for sale by 2022.”
Scotland lagging behind in tackling air pollution
While England and Wales have introduced new regulations to ban the sale of the most polluting fuels and ensure that only the cleanest stoves are available from 2022, Scotland has yet to follow suit. The Scottish Government has said that it is considering similar measures, but has not given a clear timeline or commitment.
The Scottish Greens have called on the Scottish Government to act swiftly and ban the use of wood burning stoves and other solid fuels in homes, as part of a wider strategy to improve air quality and public health. The party’s environment spokesperson, Mark Ruskell MSP, said: “The evidence is clear that wood burning stoves are a major source of air pollution that harms our health and the environment. The Scottish Government needs to stop dragging its feet and ban them in urban areas, as well as provide support for people to switch to cleaner and greener alternatives.”
Alternatives to wood burning stoves
For those who rely on wood burning stoves for heating or aesthetic purposes, there are several alternatives that are more environmentally friendly and less harmful to health. These include:
- Electric stoves: These stoves use electricity to create a realistic flame effect, without producing any emissions or requiring a chimney or flue. They are also more energy efficient and cheaper to run than wood burning stoves.
- Gas stoves: These stoves use natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to produce a real flame, but with lower emissions and higher efficiency than wood burning stoves. They also have the advantage of being controllable and easy to use.
- Pellet stoves: These stoves use compressed wood pellets, which are made from waste wood and have a low moisture content, to produce heat and a flame. They have lower emissions and higher efficiency than wood burning stoves, and can be automated and programmed to suit different needs.
Conclusion
Wood burning stoves may seem like a cosy and traditional way of heating a home, but they come with a high cost to the environment and human health. With the availability of cleaner and greener alternatives, there is no reason to continue using them, especially in urban areas where air pollution is already a serious problem. The Scottish Government should take action and ban the use of wood burning stoves and other solid fuels in homes, as part of its duty to protect the public and the planet.
