Labour Urged to Implement Ban on Log Burners in English Homes
A new report has revealed that burning wood and coal in domestic settings contributes to approximately 2,500 deaths each year in England. This alarming finding has sparked urgent calls for the Labour Party to ban log burners and wood-burning stoves in homes across the country.
Health Impacts of Domestic Burning
Open fires and wood-burning stoves are identified as significant sources of fine particulate matter pollution. These tiny particles can be absorbed through the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to or worsening serious health conditions. According to the report, toxic air pollution from domestic burning is linked to 3,700 cases of diabetes and 1,500 cases of asthma annually.
Guy Hitchcock, air quality technical director, emphasized: "Domestic burning releases fine pollution particles that can cause health issues including asthma, lung cancer, diabetes, and stroke. This affects not only households where burning occurs but also neighbours and entire communities."
Economic and Environmental Consequences
Analysis by Ricardo, a leading environmental consultancy, indicates that stopping unnecessary indoor burning could save the National Health Service more than £54 million per year. The economic losses from time off work due to related health problems further compound the issue.
Larissa Lockwood, director of policy and campaigns at Global Action Plan, stated: "Existing measures to curb wood burning emissions are insufficient. The UK Government must take action to ensure access to cleaner, greener, and more affordable heating options, including proper home insulation."
Political Response and Broader Context
A Labour Party government spokesperson responded: "Air pollution is a critical public health issue. We are committed to reducing emissions from domestic burning to protect communities, as outlined in our NHS 10 Year Plan. We have provided £575 million to Local Authorities since 2018 to support efforts in cutting emissions."
The World Health Organization has linked 154,000 deaths in Europe to household air pollution in 2019, underscoring the global scale of this problem. Strengthening local authority powers and providing clear public guidance on the health harms of burning solid fuels are seen as essential steps forward.
