Every February Defra update the Air Pollutant stats and the numbers for 2023 have just been published. Once again, pollution from particulate matter (PM) has hit a new low! PM from domestic combustion has also hit a new low. With all the negative press we could be forgiven for thinking PM air pollution in the UK is increasing, but exactly the opposite is true.
Regarding the trends: Defra say: “2023 PM2.5 and PM10 emissions were at the lowest level since emission estimates have been calculated.” (since 1970). Pollution levels were very much worse before these records began, so it’s very safe to say that no matter what age you are, the air in the UK is the cleanest it’s been in your life.
We would encourage everyone in the solid fuel industry to use links to the information published by Defra. It’s in plain language and the graphs are easy to interpret. They really help bust the myths and negative reporting around wood-burning for heat. See: Emissions of air pollutants in the UK – Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) Or simply search the words ‘Defra particulate matter’ These numbers and the statements help us understand the reality of an improving situation.
With respect to PM from domestic combustion Defra say: ‘From 2020 through to 2023, PM10 and PM2.5 emissions from the domestic combustion of all types of fuel fell by 17 per cent.’
Multiple factors are reducing the impact from domestic burning including:
- Open fires being replaced by much more efficient stoves (changing to a modern stove reduces emissions 9 fold)
- Older less efficient stoves being replaced with new cleaner ones
- No coal burning in England
- Drier wood fuels
- Better consumer awareness on operating stoves efficiently
- Better design and maintenance of chimneys from a more knowledgeable workforce (if the chimney’s not working properly, the fire can’t work efficiently).
- More sweeps giving bespoke advice on best practice to reduce emissions. This is a job of one customer at a time and should be covered on every sweeping / service visit.
This chart shows sources of PM and compares past years.
It’s worth understanding that the term ‘domestic combustion’ means fuels burnt indoors or outside including stoves, open fires, cookers, BBQ’s, garden bonfires, firepits, pizza ovens, smokers etc. Does this term include the mostly illegal fires you see whilst driving around the countryside in your area, the ones pouring out huge plumes of black smoke? We’ve never found anyone able to answer but as they are mostly illegal fires, it probably does (please get in touch if you can enlighten us).
