Greater Manchester residents are being urged to follow advice
that can reduce the impact on health and the environment from
woodburning stoves and open fires this winter, after new research
found that only 1 in 10 people* are aware that burning at home is
a major cause of pollution that harms health.
Early findings from a University of Manchester study have
revealed a “considerable gap” in people's knowledge around the
impacts of burning at home.
Tiny particles in smoke from open fires, wood burners or stoves
can damage people's health, increasing the risk of respiratory
conditions, such as asthma, and lead to more serious health
conditions. But only 12% of participants surveyed last winter
knew that smoke from open fires, wood burners or stoves is a
major contributor to national emissions of fine particulate
matter (PM2.5) pollution.
The two-year research project – run in partnership with Greater
Manchester's 10 local authorities with national funding from
Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) –
started last winter.
Using insight from the survey, Greater Manchester has now
launched a knowledge hub – www.burnbettergm.co.uk – as
part of a campaign to educate local communities about the health
impacts of burning at home, alongside cheaper and safer ways to
‘burn better' – and cleaner, greener alternatives.
Lead researcher Dr Emily Matthews, Atmospheric Scientist
at The University of Manchester, said:
“Many people are surprised to find that domestic burning is a
major contributor to harmful fine particulate emissions in the
UK, expecting construction or transport to be higher sources. In
fact, in the UK, domestic wood burning is the biggest source of
small particle air pollution, even exceeding road traffic.
“Our initial findings are helping us gain invaluable insights
into what fuels people burn indoors and outdoors in Greater
Manchester. Ultimately, we hope the study will help us both raise
awareness about the harmful impacts burning can have on people
and the environment, but also encourage cleaner and safer burning
behaviours that can protect us all.”
Survey results show low awareness of the designated Smoke Control
Areas (SCA) in place across most of Greater Manchester. Rules
state that you cannot release smoke from a chimney, and that you
can only burn authorised fuel, unless using an exempt or approved
appliance, with financial penalties for rule breakers. But half
of the respondents to the research either did not know what an
SCA was or were unsure whether they lived in one.
While the increased cost of heating has fueled interest in
alternative ways of keeping warm, the study suggests that indoor
fires and wood burners are primarily used for secondary heating.
Councillor Eamonn O'Brien, Leader of Bury Council and
Greater Manchester's Portfolio Lead for Clean Air, said:
“It's great to see some of the early findings from the University
of Manchester's pioneering research project which we hope will
make a real difference to health outcomes in our city region. If
you need – or choose – to burn at home this winter to stay warm,
we want you to know there are ways to burn better.
“Despite the increase we've seen in heating costs over the last
few years, alternatives like gas central heating and heat pumps
are not only better for your health and environment, but can be
cheaper.
“I'd urge anyone who burns at home to take a few minutes to find
out more about the health impacts, rules and how to burn better,
as it could make a big difference to you, your family, and your
neighbours' health. Some small changes can make a real
difference.”
Residents who need to burn at home to stay warm this winter are
being advised to follow guidelines to reduce the amount of
harmful particulate pollution released into their homes:
- Choose fuels that are cleaner to burn. Look out for the
‘Ready to Burn' logo.
- Only burn seasoned, dry wood with a moisture content of less
than 20%.
- Get your chimney swept each year and your stove checked
regularly.
- Do not burn rubbish or general waste indoors or outdoors.
Jilla Burgess-Allen, Director of Public Health for
Stockport and public health lead on air quality for Greater
Manchester, said:
“Log burners might seem cosy, but any burning releases tiny
particles that can get deep into your lungs and your bloodstream,
damaging you and your family's health.
“You can't always see them, but that doesn't mean they're not
there, and even eco-stoves give off pollution that can affect us
all. It's particularly harmful to younger and older people, and
people who already have health problems.
“In Greater Manchester, the majority of people who own domestic
burning appliances are thought to be parents. Children are at a
higher risk from particulate matter due to their developing
lungs.
“While it's best not to burn at home, if you do, it's really
important to burn clean, safer fuels like dry ‘Ready to Burn'
wood.”
As part of the research project, over 40 air quality monitors
will be strategically placed across the region to better
understand the link between domestic burning and PM2.5 air
pollution.
Notes to editors
* The University of Manchester survey is being run in order to
understand people's habits, attitudes and motivations for burning
solid fuels in their home, both indoors and outdoors.
