Is YOUR wood burner at risk? Powerful Commons committee could look at case for banning stoves in towns and cities over pollution fears
A powerful Commons committee could examine the case for banning wood burners in towns and cities.
The Environmental Audit Committee is likely to consider the issue in one of its forthcoming inquiries.
Campaigners say stoves contribute to pollution – although supporters say they can be a cheaper option as energy bills soar.
Specific concerns have been raised about particulates, known as PM2.5, which be imported into the bloodstream through the lungs.
Committee chair Philip Dunne told the Guardian: ‘Air quality is something we are likely to look at before the end of this parliament. It’s a serious issue.’
However, he stressed the committee might decide that there were other options apart from a ban. ‘If we’re going to look at air quality, we might look at different sources of air pollution’
Campaigners say stoves contribute to pollution – although supporters say they can be a cheaper option as energy bills soar
The government would be obliged to respond to any report from the committee, but not follow its recommendations.
Spiralling energy bills have led to a surge in sales of woodburning stoves, according to manufacturers.
The Stove Industry Alliance, which represents the industry, said sales leapt 40 per cent last year.
The SIA said the trend ‘clearly indicates that consumers are taking action to help cushion themselves against spiralling home heating bills’.
But experts have warned that the rise in woodburning could result in greater pollution.
Government data show that woodburning stoves emit more particulate pollution, the most deadly form of pollution, than road transport.
Around 17 per cent of particulate pollution comes from burning wood, compared to 13 per cent from road transport.
Professor Gary Fuller at Imperial College London told New Scientist at the time: ‘It is important that vulnerable people are helped to keep warm this winter, but extra wood burning is not the answer. It will worsen the existing air pollution problems in our cities, towns and even across the countryside in the UK and Europe.’
Some councils have already brought in anti-wood burner measures, while others are said to be exploring whether to expand smoke control areas to outlaw the fires.
Bedford and West Northamptonshire councils are reportedly exploring their options, while in the latest guidelines set out by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, an air-quality limit means large home and office developments can no longer use wood or solid fuels.
Philip Dunne said his Environmental Audit Committee is likely to consider the issue in one of its forthcoming inquiries
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