Woodburning major contributor to air pollution and health risks in Birmingham and the West Midlands

A new study has found that woodburning is having a significant impact on air quality in Birmingham and the West Midlands, accounting for a substantial proportion of fine particulate pollution and posing a serious risk to public health.

Research from the University of Birmingham reveals that biomass burning, particularly from woodburning activities such as using stoves or open fires to heat homes, is a key source of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the region. The study shows that woodburning contributes to approximately 25% of the total PM2.5 mass in the area.

Published today (10 December) in Atmospheric Environment, the study urges for targeted actions to mitigate the health risks linked to PM2.5 emissions from woodburning.

The researchers found that PM2.5 concentrations from woodburning have increased sevenfold compared to levels observed between 2008 and 2010. Additionally, the impact is most pronounced during the winter months when people burn wood for heating, contributing up to 50% of PM2.5 levels during this period.

Exposure to elevated levels of PM2.5 poses severe health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, low birthweight, and increased mortality rates. The study estimates that reducing woodburning emissions could significantly lower the number of deaths and life-years lost due to air pollution in the West Midlands.

Lead author Dr. Deepchandra Srivastava stated, "Our study highlights the significant rise in woodburning activity over the past decade, making it one of the most important sources of air pollution in the West Midlands."

Professor Zongbo Shi, the study’s lead investigator, emphasised the need for urgent, coordinated action at both local and national levels to reduce woodburning and improve air quality. He recommended strengthening smoke control areas, enhancing enforcement, and promoting cleaner alternatives like electric heating and heat pumps. He believes these measures could greatly reduce PM2.5-related health risks and lower mortality rates in the region.

The researchers also stress the importance of raising public awareness about the health impacts of woodburning. Educating the public on best practices, such as burning dry, seasoned wood and properly maintaining stoves, is crucial to reducing pollution.

Further, the study calls for local regulations to be tightened to encourage the use of cleaner heating alternatives. The researchers also suggest that national and international policy changes are needed to address regional and transboundary PM2.5 pollution.

Larissa Lockwood, Director of Clean Air at Global Action Plan, commented, "Lighting fires in homes is now the largest source of toxic fine particle pollution in the UK, with serious health risks including heart and lung disease, diabetes, and dementia."

"Despite growing evidence, such as this new research, many people are unaware of the harms caused by wood burning. We need urgent action from the government to raise awareness and support local authorities in addressing this growing source of pollution."

The study was part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)-funded West Midlands Air Quality Improvement Programme (WM-Air), led by Professor William Bloss. Researchers analysed PM2.5 samples collected in 2021 and 2022 from two urban sites in Birmingham, using advanced modelling techniques to identify and quantify pollution sources.

PM2.5 refers to tiny airborne particles or droplets, 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter, which can be inhaled into the lungs and cause a range of health issues. These particles can come from various sources, including woodburning, vehicles, industrial emissions, power plants, cooking, and smoking.