Wet wood and charcoal for wood stoves is limited as of today | Climate News

Anyone using a wood-burning stove or open fire in the home as of today should only use cleaner alternatives to wet wood and charcoal, according to a new law.

Restrictions on the type of solid fuels that can be burned on household fireplaces have come into force in England as the government tries to cut air pollution.

Wood stoves and open fires are still allowed from May 1, but only fuels that reduce air pollution can be used there, according to a statement announcing the change from the Department of the Environment (Defra) and by Environment Minister Rebecca Pow.

Experts say burning household charcoal or wet wood is a major source of PM2.5 pollutants – which has been identified by the World Health Organization as a major risk to human health.

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PM2.5 are particles about 2.5 microns in diameter that can enter the bloodstream, lodge in the lungs and other organs.

The change in law follows the release two days ago of Defra figures showing air pollution across the UK has fallen to its lowest level on record in 2020 as a result of coronavirus.

Ms Pow said in a statement: “We know that air pollution nationwide has declined significantly since 2010 – with fine particulate matter emissions down 11% and nitrogen oxide 32% – but there is still plenty left. to be done to control pollution from all sources, including transport, agriculture, industry and household burning. “

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