New wood-burning stoves to carry health warnings in UK plan | Air pollution

New wood stoves will feature a health warning highlighting the impact of the air pollution they produce, under UK government plans.

Ministers also proposed reducing the smoke limit from wood-burning stoves by 80%. However, the measure would only apply to new stoves, most of which already meet the stricter limit. The new limit would reduce annual toxic emissions from wood burning in the UK by just 10% over the next decade, according to the consultation.

Clean air advocates said the proposals ignored pollution from existing stoves and compared less polluting stoves to low-tar cigarettes.

Pollution from household fires is one of the largest sources of air pollution in the UK, contributing 20% ​​of fine particulate matter, roughly the same as all road transport. Fine particles are the most dangerous air pollutant for human health, the government said. Wood stoves and house fires are linked to 2,500 premature deaths a year in the UK, according to a recent study, as well as 3,700 cases of diabetes and 1,500 cases of asthma.

Wood stoves are used by around 12% of households, but more than 90% of these have other heating sources. Many use stoves and fires purely for their aesthetic appeal.

Emma Hardy, the Minister for Air Quality, said: “Dirty air robs people of their health and costs our NHS millions every year to treat lung disease and asthma. We are determined to clean up our air. By limiting emission levels and introducing new labels as outlined in our consultation, families will be able to make better, healthier choices for heating their homes.”

The UK-wide consultation proposes labels for new stoves that clearly state the impact of burning solid fuels on the health of individuals and their families. A suggested warning reads: “Please note that this appliance emits air pollution in and around your home, which may harm your health. » The label would also rate the stove’s energy efficiency from A to C.

Wood sold for burning would also carry a health warning, with suggested wording reading: “Burning in the home results in air pollution that negatively impacts the health of you and your family.” » The latest proposed measure would increase the fine for fuel suppliers who sell insufficiently seasoned wood from £300 to £2,000. Wet wood produces more pollution.

The proposed limit for smoke emissions from new stoves is 1g per hour, compared to the current 5g per hour. Around 70% of stoves tested since 2018 already meet the new limit, the consultation says, and the new standard will not come into force for three to five years from the date of adoption of the new law.

The foreword to the consultation said: “We all deserve to live in an environment where our daily lives are not negatively affected by the quality of the air we breathe. » Emissions of fine particles from domestic combustion increased by 36% between 2009 and 2020, largely due to an increase in emissions from wood combustion.

Larissa Lockwood, director of air quality at the Global Action Plan, said: “While measures to strengthen pollution standards for wood-burning stoves and better inform people about the health risks of these products at the point of sale are a good first step, they do not go far enough.

“A less polluting stove is like a low-tar cigarette: it’s a little better for your health, but it’s still a lot worse than not using it in the first place. We want to see more action from government to ensure everyone can access cleaner, greener forms of heating and give local authorities the powers they need to reduce harmful emissions for the benefit of their local communities.”

The research found that no prosecutions for illegal wood burning were brought in England in the year to August 2025, despite 15,195 complaints. Only 24 fines were issued by local authorities during this period.

Jemima Hartshorn, of campaign group Mums for Lungs, said: “Almost daily we hear from people about being smoked out of their homes and gardens, coughing and wheezing non-stop during the winter while their neighbors burn legally across the country.

“Non-essential wood burning must stop. The consultation plan does not go far enough – it only suggests measures that will reduce wood burning with new stoves, but does not address the huge pollution emitted by existing stoves. Hopefully the end result will be more in line with scientists and health professionals and the needs of the public and children’s health.”

The consultation closes on March 19.