Wood burners to carry health warnings under government plans

The UK government has proposed labels for new wood-burning stoves and firewood that describe pollution and health impacts, and would tighten smoke emission limits from five grams per hour to one gram per hour.

The UK government has opened a consultation proposing health warning labels for new wood-burning stoves and for firewood sold to be burned, alongside existing energy efficiency stickers. Ministers propose cutting the permitted smoke emission rate from five grams per hour to one gram per hour. The plans would apply to new appliances and include a proposed increase in fines for suppliers who sell damp, smoky wood. The consultation notes recent rises in PM2.5 from domestic burning and indicates further measures may be considered. Key points: - Proposals would require health-warning labels on new stoves and on firewood explaining that burning can produce air pollution and affect health. - Ministers propose reducing the smoke emission limit from 5 grams per hour to 1 gram per hour for solid fuel appliances. - The measures, as set out, would apply to new appliances; industry data cited in the consultation say many tested stoves already meet the 1 gram limit. - The government has opened a consultation and has not specified the next formal step in the process. Summary: The proposals aim to inform buyers about pollution and to lower allowed emissions from domestic wood burning, and some health groups said the recognition of harm is welcome while also calling for stronger action. Undetermined at this time.