According to an expert in environmental criminology, a forthcoming initiative in the UK aimed at curbing the use of log-burning stoves could be undermined by a significant loophole. Currently, UK laws impose fines of up to £300 on individuals who burn unauthorized fuels or produce chimney smoke in designated smoke control areas. Additionally, using incorrect fuels in non-compliant stoves can lead to penalties reaching £1,000.

Recently, the Government announced plans to consult on strategies to minimize the environmental impact of wood burning, including the use of stoves and bonfires. This was part of the newly updated environmental improvement plan (EIP) released last week. As per the proposals, stove manufacturers might be required to update or discontinue older models that do not meet the forthcoming standards.

It’s important to note that these measures will not ban the use of older stoves already in circulation. However, pollution regulations might become stricter in certain smoke control zones where domestic use of specific fuels in fireplaces and stoves is restricted.

James Heydon, an Associate Professor specializing in Environmental Criminology at the University of Nottingham, highlighted on The Conversation website that these types of heating devices emit some of the most hazardous particles. He pointed out that “domestic burning” has emerged as a leading source of detrimental air pollution, a fact acknowledged in the government’s new environmental plan. Nonetheless, the tools currently employed by the UK to manage stove emissions are outdated and may be inadequate.

The updated plan identifies domestic burning—specifically wood used for home heating—as a major contributor to particulate matter pollution, with PM2.5 being particularly concerning. These particles, being smaller than 2.5 micrometres, are difficult for the body to filter out. Once inhaled, they can deeply penetrate the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and affect nearly every organ, potentially leading to heart and lung diseases. Experts agree that no safe exposure level for PM2.5 has been conclusively determined.

Heydon also noted that while the UK has existing legislation, a significant issue is that it only applies to a limited number of areas. Consequently, the majority of log burners are not subject to these restrictions due to this legislative loophole. “Even though domestic burning is a major focus of the new plan, the UK already has one of the oldest systems globally for regulating stove emissions,” he remarked.

The Clean Air Act 1956, introduced after lethal London smogs killed more than 12,000 people in three months, enabled local authorities to create smoke control areas (SCAs) to restrict which appliances and fuels could be used.

“Despite some alterations, this system has barely changed in almost 70 years. In fact, SCAs cover very little of England, Wales and Scotland, and enforcement is extremely difficult. Only a fraction of public complaints ever result in a fine.

“More importantly, even perfect enforcement would not solve the core problem. SCAs were designed to reduce visible smoke, not invisible PM2.5. Modern “Defra-approved” and “EcoDesign” stoves are exempt because they emit less visible smoke.”

He said these stoves are still emitting dangerous levels of the pollutant: “But even under ideal operating conditions, they still emit significant levels of PM2.5 – more than 300 times that of a gas boiler. Since 2010, more than 2,500 stove models have been exempted from SCA rules, steadily widening the loophole and gradually weakening the system’s ability to control PM2.5.

“This is particularly concerning as wood burning is becoming more popular. The share of UK households using solid fuel increased from 8% in 2018-19 to 11.7% in 2022-23. Installations are also increasing, with the proportion of newly inspected homes containing a stove growing from 7% in 2009 to just over 10% by 2024.”

According to the official figures, a fifth of PM2.5 emissions in 2023 came from domestic combustion. It is understood that the EIP will bring the UK’s PM2.5 standards in line with the EU, which was not the case under the previous EIP, published by the Conservatives in 2023.

Prof Heydon added: “Ultimately, the complexity of the issue means no single intervention will solve the problem. The environment improvement plan holds much potential, but its success will depend on what comes next. Cutting emissions from domestic burning requires helping people to understand the health risks, challenging the idea that modern stoves are harmless, and providing practical alternatives for those who rely on burning.

“If the government is serious about meeting its new air quality targets, it must treat behaviour, information and public engagement seriously as central pillars of its strategy.”

To read the full article on The Conversation click here.