BHF responds to Government phase-out of most polluting wood burner fuels

Sales of wet wood and coal are to be phased out in England from next year to help reduce air pollution levels, the Government has announced today.


Domestic wood and coal burning – which includes open fires and wood-burning stoves - accounts for almost 40 per cent of background levels of toxic fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5 .

This is the most dangerous type of air pollution. Our research has shown PM2.5 can enter the bloodstream and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. 

It has also been linked to several other health conditions, such as dementia and respiratory diseases, including asthma. 

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has said phasing out the sale of the two most polluting solid fuels – coal and wet wood – will give suppliers and the public time to move to cleaner alternatives.

The phase-out will take place between February 2021 and 2023.

Our view is that the announcement is a step in the right direction, but the Government must go further and faster to tackle all sources of air pollution and protect the nation’s health.

John Maingay, our Director of Policy and Influencing, said:

“Wood and coal burning accounts for 40 per cent of harmful levels of background PM2.5 in the UK and phasing out sales of coal and wet wood is a vital first step towards protecting the nation’s health from toxic air. 

“This is a welcome move from a Government showing its ambition and commitment to tackling air pollution. 

“However, we must not stop there. It is also critical to tackle other sources of emissions, such as road traffic.

“Our research has shown that toxic PM2.5 can enter the bloodstream and damage our heart and circulatory system, increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
 
“Air pollution is a major public health challenge, and it requires an urgent and bold response. The Environment Bill provides a golden opportunity for the Government to be world leaders on this issue by becoming the first country to adopt the World Health Organization’s legally binding targets on air pollution by 2030.”