Urgent warning over trendy wood burning stoves - as research reveals they produce more pollution than road traffic
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Experts have issued an urgent warning over trendy wood-burning stoves, as research reveals they produce more pollution than road traffic. Researchers from the University of Birmingham found that wood-burning activities contribute 'significantly' to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in Birmingham and the West Midlands.
![[Biomass burning now accounts for 25 per cent of the total PM2.5 mass, according to the experts]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/10/16/93003069-0-image-a-27_1733847145463.jpg)
In fact, biomass burning now accounts for 25 per cent of the total PM2.5 mass, according to the experts. Worryingly, previous studies have shown that exposure to elevated PM2.5 levels can increase your risk of several nasty health conditions. This includes respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, low birthweight, and increased death rates.
Based on the findings, the researchers are calling for 'immediate' action to reduce wood-burning. Last week a report from the Institute of Fiscal Studies named wood-burning stoves as the UK's biggest source of PM2.5. Now, the experts at University of Birmingham say such emissions are increasing – and especially peak in the winter months.
Experts have issued an urgent warning over trendy wood-burning stoves, as research reveals they produce more pollution than road traffic (stock image). Professor Zongbo Shi, one of the authors of the new study, said: 'We need to see immediate and coordinated actions at local and national levels to reduce wood burning, improve air quality - including enhancement and enforcement of smoke control areas to curb emissions from woodburning stoves and open fires.
