Think before you burn
Every time you burn wood, coal or other ‘biomass’ fuels you release tiny particles called PM2.5 into the air. These particles are a form of air pollution and have serious health impacts.
PM2.5 pollution in Leicester
Woodburning stoves and open fires can look inviting and cosy, but they can be harmful to our health and the environment by releasing PM2.5.
Domestic burning of wood contributes up to 16% of PM2.5 in Leicester, peaking in winter months as we use our appliances more often.
Other sources of PM2.5 include:
- Transport (brake and tyre wear)
- Industry (combustion processes)
- Natural sources (sea salt, dust etc)
We are actively working to reduce PM2.5 across Leicester by informing residents about the dangers of wood burning, as well as ensuring compliance with the smoke control area rules.
Defra have set national air quality objectives local authorities must comply with in the UK: Air quality objectives PDF (defra.gov.uk).
Impacts of PM2.5
These tiny particles are invisible to the human eye and once inhaled can reach deep into the lungs. The particles are so small that research has shown their ability to pass into your bloodstream, travelling all around the body and damaging many organs. PM2.5 has been linked to causing and exacerbating many health issues including:
- Irritation to the throat, eyes, and noise
- Heart disease
- Lung conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis
- Brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s
Exposure to PM2.5 has also been linked with increased hospital admissions. In Leicester, it is estimated that 6% of all deaths in 2020 were linked to particulates.
The best way to reduce the health and environmental impacts is by not using your wood burning stove or open fire. Any reduction in usage of these appliances will have a positive health impact on your local community.
If you must continue using your woodburning stove or open fire, there are ways that you can make it less harmful for your health:
- Always use dried/seasoned woods
- Never burn treated or scrap woods such as painted woods, furniture or floorboards
- Make sure you maintain your appliance annually including getting your chimney swept
- Always have a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide monitor and check batteries regularly
Leicester’s Smoke Control Order
Since 2018, Leicester has been subject to a smoke control area which means it is an offence to produce smoke from your chimney. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you break the rules.
To avoid being fined you should consider:
- Upgrading to an exempt appliance - see list of exempt appliances in England
- Using exempt fuels - see list of exempt fuels in England
For more details about Leicester’s smoke control area, including details of how you can have bonfires safely, report pollution incidents, and dispose of trade waste, go to our Pollution control section.