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Wood burning stoves have become more popular in Europe amid the current cost of living crisis.
Researchers have cautioned that burning wood indoors could lead to lung damage similar to that caused by cigarette smoke. A recent study has connected the rising trend of domestic wood burning to lung damage.
Wood burning stoves have gained popularity in Europe, with experts in the UK highlighting domestic wood burning as a significant source of PM2.5 air pollution, which are tiny particles that can deeply penetrate the lungs.
A study conducted by University College London analyzed health data from 11,000 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, along with property energy performance certificates (EPCs) and UK census data.
The researchers observed that wood-burning appliances are more commonly used by white individuals in affluent urban neighborhoods, even within Smoke Control Zones. This was presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Amsterdam.
Lung function was monitored three times over an eight-year period among a smaller group of over 1,700 individuals. The researchers assessed the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), which measures how much air a person can blow out in one second after taking a deep breath.
The study revealed that declines in FEV1 were more significant among individuals using indoor wood burners. For instance, among participants aged 70 to 79, the average decrease in FEV1 was 0.12 liters for those using solid fuels like indoor wood burners, compared to 0.07 liters for those not exposed.
The research team noted that self-reported wood fuel use rose from 10% in 2004/05 to 18% in 2021/22.
Dr. Horsfall stated at the Congress that wood burning at home emits harmful air pollution indoors and outdoors, including known carcinogens. Despite this, air pollution from this source has doubled in the UK since 2009 as more people install and use wood stoves.
The researchers will further investigate whether individuals residing in or near areas with a high concentration of wood stoves, such as wealthier parts of London, exhibit increased rates of respiratory issues. This includes inhaler prescriptions and hospital visits for lung conditions.