New research reveals domestic wood stoves are causing significant lung damage comparable to cigarette smoke, raising concerns over rising use in affluent UK urban areas amid policy debates and health warnings.
Burning wood indoors, a practice growing in popularity across Europe and especially in the UK, has been linked to significant lung damage and heightened health risks comparable to cigarette smoke, according to recent research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress. The University College London study, which analysed data from over 11,000 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing alongside property energy certificates and census data, found that use of domestic wood-burning stoves is increasingly common in affluent, predominantly white urban areas, including within designated Smoke Control Zones. This growing trend is concerning because domestic wood burning has become one of the largest single contributors to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory issues.
The researchers evaluated lung function over eight years, measuring forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), a key indicator of lung health. They discovered that individuals aged 70 to 79 using wood-burning stoves experienced a faster decline in lung function compared to non-users—losing an average of 0.12 litres versus 0.07 litres respectively. Despite lower smoking rates and fewer pre-existing lung conditions among stove users, their lung function deteriorated more rapidly, suggesting that particulate matter from wood smoke inflames and damages respiratory tissues similarly to tobacco smoke. The study coincided with a notable rise in wood fuel use, with self-reported figures increasing from 10% in 2004/05 to 18% in 2021/22.
This health impact is underscored by complementary research from the University of Sheffield, which monitored indoor air quality and found pollutant levels in homes with wood stoves were three times higher during regular use, with dangerous spikes when stoves were refuelled. Such findings raise alarm about indoor exposure to harmful particulate matter, which can exacerbate respiratory illnesses and contribute to long-term damage.
The wider implications of wood burning as a pollution source are evident in regional and national data. A University of Birmingham study highlighted that wood burning accounts for about 20% of PM2.5 pollution in Birmingham and the West Midlands, marking it as a significant environmental health concern. Nationally, it is estimated that domestic wood burning was responsible for 38% of the UK’s PM2.5 emissions in 2019, mostly driven by around 8% of the population who burn wood indoors, often for aesthetic reasons rather than heating efficiency. This demographic skews wealthier, which aligns with findings from UCL’s research indicating higher stove use in affluent urban areas.
Health experts warn that the rise in domestic wood burning could undermine public health efforts. Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive of Asthma and Lung UK, emphasised that the increased adoption of wood burners—primarily for their visual appeal—might have serious respiratory consequences for users and their families. She called for stronger government guidance, clearer public awareness, and tighter regulation around domestic wood burning to mitigate these risks. Similarly, Professor Ane Johannessen from the European Respiratory Society noted that while newer “eco-design” wood stoves are marketed as cleaner, older models still prevalent in many homes pose serious risks, and even modern variants may not be entirely safe. She recommended that health professionals routinely inquire about wood stove use in patients presenting unexplained lung function decline or chronic respiratory symptoms.
Further compounding concerns, a study published in the Journal of Building Engineering quantified the impact of indoor wood-burning emissions on life expectancy. It estimated that exposure to PM2.5 from using a fireplace for four hours daily could reduce life expectancy by up to 1.6 years, while woodstove use could shorten it by up to half a year, highlighting the severity of the health consequences.
Despite mounting evidence of the health dangers, policy responses remain cautious. The UK government recently confirmed that modern wood-burning stoves will be permitted as secondary heating sources in new homes under the Future Homes Standard, following industry lobbying that argues for their role in energy resilience and renewable fuel use. This move has been criticised by health and environmental advocates who argue it contradicts efforts to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions.
In Wales, concern about air quality is high, with over half of the population worried about it. Yet awareness of wood burner risks remains limited, according to Asthma + Lung UK Cymru. The charity has urged the Welsh Government to tighten regulations and provide more robust guidance on domestic burning to protect vulnerable groups, such as those with lung conditions.
Taken together, these findings and expert assessments paint a worrying picture of domestic wood burning as an emerging public health hazard in affluent European communities. The aesthetic and cultural appeal of wood stoves is increasingly at odds with their hidden costs: long-term lung damage, worsened respiratory conditions, and broader air quality degradation. Policymakers and public health officials face the delicate challenge of balancing tradition and environmental goals with emerging scientific evidence that cautions against unchecked domestic wood burning.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
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:
7
Notes:
The narrative presents recent findings from the European Respiratory Society Congress and a UCL study, indicating a high freshness score. However, similar concerns about indoor wood burning’s health risks have been reported in the past, such as a 2023 study linking indoor wood burning to a 43% increased lung cancer risk in women. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/06/indoor-wood-burning-raises-women-lung-cancer-risk-study?utm_source=openai)) Additionally, a 2024 study by the University of Birmingham highlighted wood burning as a major source of PM2.5 pollution in the West Midlands. ([birmingham.ac.uk](https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2024/woodburning-creates-major-pm2.5-air-pollution-issue-in-west-midlands?utm_source=openai)) These earlier reports suggest that while the current narrative is timely, the topic has been previously covered. The presence of a press release from UCL adds to the freshness, as press releases typically warrant a high freshness score. ([ucl.ac.uk](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/headlines/2023/jan/wood-burning-stoves-emit-air-pollution?utm_source=openai)) No significant discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The narrative includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/06/indoor-wood-burning-raises-women-lung-cancer-risk-study?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative includes direct quotes from experts such as Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive of Asthma and Lung UK, and Professor Ane Johannessen from the European Respiratory Society. These quotes appear to be original and not found in earlier material. No identical quotes were found in earlier reports, suggesting the content is potentially original or exclusive. However, variations in quote wording were noted, which may indicate paraphrasing or slight differences in reporting.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from reputable organisations, including the University College London (UCL) and the European Respiratory Society Congress. UCL is a well-established institution with a strong public presence, lending credibility to the report. The presence of a press release from UCL further supports the reliability of the information. ([ucl.ac.uk](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/headlines/2023/jan/wood-burning-stoves-emit-air-pollution?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are plausible and supported by existing research. Studies have previously linked indoor wood burning to respiratory issues and lung damage. The narrative includes specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, and dates, enhancing its credibility. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic, and the structure is focused on the health risks associated with wood burning. No excessive or off-topic details were noted, and the tone is appropriately serious for the subject matter.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative presents timely and relevant information on the health risks associated with indoor wood burning, supported by reputable sources and expert quotes. While similar concerns have been reported in the past, the inclusion of recent studies and expert opinions adds value to the current report. No significant issues were identified in terms of freshness, originality, or plausibility.
