Wood burning stoves may damage lungs akin to cigarettes, study warns

Wood-burning stoves linked to lung damage, study finds

Researchers at University College London (UCL) analysed data from over 11,000 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, alongside property-level Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and UK census data.

Lung function was measured using FEV1, a test that records how much air a person can forcefully exhale in one second. Results showed that those using solid fuels experienced a greater decline in FEV1 over time.

Among those aged 70 to 79, FEV1 fell by an average of 0.12 litres in solid fuel users, compared to 0.07 litres in non-users.

The proportion of people using wood fuel increased from 10% in 2004/05 to 18% in 2021/22.

Dr Horsfall from UCL said domestic wood burning produces harmful indoor and outdoor air pollution, including known carcinogens, and that current air quality monitoring struggles to detect emissions in high-emission residential areas.

She noted that even though wood stove users had lower smoking rates and better baseline lung health, their lung function declined faster than non-users over the eight-year study period.

The findings suggest that particulate matter from wood smoke inflames lung tissue in a similar way to cigarette smoke.

Researchers now plan to investigate whether living near areas with many wood stoves, such as affluent parts of London, is associated with higher rates of lung issues and inhaler use.

Sarah Sleet, chief executive at Asthma and Lung UK, commented on the study: "The findings of this research aren't surprising, but do help to add to the body of evidence of the impact of air pollution from wood burners on our lungs.

"It's concerning that the numbers of homes with a wood burner is increasing and primarily the reason for having a wood burner is the aesthetic of it."

Professor Ane Johannessen, head of the European Respiratory Society's expert group on epidemiology and environment, further added: "This study underscores the need for clearer public health guidance and regulation around domestic wood burning.

"People should be aware that these stoves could be harming them and their families, and doctors should be asking their patients about whether they are using stoves at home."