PM2.5-related exposure.
Larissa Lockwood, Director of Clean Air at Global Action Plan said: “Lighting fires in our homes is now the largest source of toxic fine particle air pollution in the UK, presenting a range of serious health risks including heart and lung disease, diabetes, and dementia.
“Despite growing evidence of the UK’s burning problem – like this new research from the University of Birmingham – many people are still unaware that wood burning is harming our health and the planet.
“While many work to communicate these harms through moments such as Clean Air Night, we need urgent action from central government to share these harms with people across the UK and empower local authorities to tackle this growing source of air pollution in ways that are appropriate for their local communities. Join people across the country in learning the facts about wood burning this Clean Air Night (22 January 2025).”
This research was conducted as 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 at two urban background sites in Birmingham, utilizing advanced receptor modelling techniques to identify and quantify pollution sources.
PM2.5 refers to tiny airborne particles or droplets that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter and represents a serious health concern because it can be inhaled into our lungs and cause a range of health issues. It can come from a variety of sources, including woodburning, vehicle and industrial emissions, power plants, cooking, cigarettes, and smoking.
Add A Comment