Link Established Between Indoor Wood Burners and Lung Function Decline

Recent research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Amsterdam has revealed a concerning correlation between the use of indoor wood-burning stoves and a reduction in lung function. The study, led by a team from the Institute of Health Informatics at University College London, underscores the growing health risks associated with domestic solid fuel use.

As the popularity of wood as a renewable energy source increases in Europe, particularly due to rising fossil fuel costs, the implications for public health are becoming clearer. In the UK, the proportion of harmful PM2.5 air pollution resulting from domestic wood burning has surged to 20%, a significant increase from just 4% attributed to vehicle exhaust emissions. Furthermore, annual emissions from domestic wood burning nearly doubled from 3,200 metric tons in 2009 to 6,000 metric tons in 2023.

Dr. Laura Horsfall, a Principal Research Fellow involved in the study, highlighted the dual nature of wood burning as a source of harmful air pollutants, including known carcinogens. Despite the continuous rise in air pollution from wood burning, the relationship between this pollution and health outcomes in affluent nations remains inadequately characterized. Areas with high emissions are challenging to identify with existing air quality monitoring systems.

The researchers expanded upon previous work that mapped the prevalence of solid fuel stoves across the UK and utilized data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA) to examine the effects of solid fuel use on lung function. They measured lung function through Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), a critical indicator of respiratory health. A decline in FEV1 values is associated with increased risk of respiratory illnesses and overall poorer health outcomes, making it a vital metric for monitoring conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma.

One of the challenges in assessing the health impacts of wood-burning stoves is that households using solid fuel often have higher socioeconomic status and better overall health. This skewed demographic can obscure the true effects of exposure to solid fuel. The study's findings indicated that, even after controlling for socioeconomic factors, individuals using solid fuel experienced a more rapid decline in lung function over an eight-year period compared to those who did not use such fuels.

Dr. Horsfall noted that the data suggests that particulate matter emitted from wood stoves could cause respiratory tissue damage and inflammation similar to the effects of cigarette smoke. The research team is now poised to investigate whether residents in areas with high concentrations of wood stoves, particularly in wealthier neighborhoods of London, are experiencing increased rates of respiratory issues, such as prescriptions for inhalers and hospital visits for lung-related conditions.

Professor Ane Johannessen, head of the European Respiratory Society's expert group on epidemiology and environment, commented on the findings, indicating a broader trend in Europe toward the use of wood-burning stoves. He noted that research in regions where traditional wood burning is common has established clear links to health issues such as asthma, COPD, and lung cancer. This study reinforces the idea that wood-burning stoves in European homes may pose similar health risks, warranting their consideration as a potential environmental risk factor in respiratory health assessments, especially for individuals with unexplained lung function decline or chronic respiratory symptoms.

Despite advancements in eco-design wood burners that are generally regarded as cleaner and safer than older models, many homes still utilize outdated stoves, and even modern versions may not be entirely without risk. The study emphasizes the urgent need for improved public health guidance and regulations concerning domestic wood burning. Individuals must be made aware of the potential health hazards associated with these stoves, and healthcare professionals should inquire about their patients' use of wood-burning appliances at home.