Doctors Demand Ban on ‘Invisible Killer’ Appliance!

A group of over 100 doctors in the UK is urging the Prime Minister to take swift action against the rising levels of air pollution, which they claim are being exacerbated by the increasing use of wood-burning stoves. These stoves, which have gained popularity in many middle-class homes, are now being scrutinized for their role in contributing to deadly air pollutants, particularly in urban areas.

In a letter addressed to Sir Keir Starmer, the medical professionals describe the toxins produced by burning wood as an “invisible killer.” These pollutants are believed to be a significant factor in approximately 38,000 premature deaths each year in the UK. The doctors warn that these toxins are linked to a variety of serious health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and have especially harmful effects on children, contributing to conditions such as asthma and impaired lung development.

The doctors are calling for immediate action on wood burners, particularly in densely populated cities and towns where the health risks are most pronounced. In addition to this, they propose several other measures to reduce pollution levels, including improving infrastructure to promote walking and cycling over driving, which would help reduce overall emissions.

Domestic combustion, which includes the use of wood-burning stoves, was responsible for a third of the UK’s total emissions of PM2.5 in 2021. These fine particles are particularly dangerous because they are invisible to the naked eye but can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to severe health problems. Shockingly, wood burning is responsible for more PM2.5 emissions than cars, according to data from The Times.

The impact of wood-burning stoves is especially evident in areas like North and South London, where they create pockets of highly polluted air. The ‘London Wood Burning Project’ has highlighted these pollution hotspots, drawing attention to the urgent need for regulation.

The letter, organized by the campaign group Ride for Their Lives, references the tragic case of Ella Kissi-Debrah, a nine-year-old girl who became the first person in the world to have air pollution listed as a cause of death on her death certificate. Ella, who lived near a major road in southeast London, suffered a fatal asthma attack in 2013 after years of exposure to high levels of air pollution.

Ella’s mother, Rosamund Kissi-Debrah, has become a vocal advocate for reducing air pollution, stating, “Air pollution is an invisible killer, you cannot see the damage it is doing to your body, or to your children’s bodies.”

While the letter stops short of calling for a nationwide ban on wood burners, it reflects a growing sentiment among healthcare professionals that these devices should be banned in urban settings where their impact is most harmful. The doctors suggest that “cost-effective quick wins” could be achieved by targeting solid fuel burning in homes where alternative heating options are available. They also emphasize the need for the government to educate the public about the health risks associated with wood-burning stoves.

Heather Lambert of Ride for Their Lives, who contributed to the letter, told The Times, “Action could include the government educating people about the health risks of wood burners.”

The medical professionals also highlight the broader health impacts of air pollution, noting that it not only affects respiratory health but also contributes to reduced fertility, fetal lung damage, increased risk of miscarriage, and the birth of smaller and more premature babies. They also point out the well-established links between air pollution and neurological decline, as well as its role in causing strokes and dementia.

The push for action comes in the wake of a 2021 coroner’s report that confirmed air pollution contributed to Ella Kissi-Debrah’s death. The report has since sparked increased awareness and concern over the deadly impact of air pollution, leading to calls for stronger regulations and more aggressive efforts to reduce harmful emissions.

In response to these concerns, Environmental Secretary Steve Reed has pledged to meet the targets set out in the Environment Act, which includes a goal to reduce PM2.5 pollution levels by 2040. This target aims for a maximum annual average concentration of no more than ten micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter, a significant reduction that will require substantial changes in how pollution is managed across the country.

The UK’s commitment to reducing air pollution has also been reflected in recent initiatives like the expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to cover all boroughs, a move aimed at further cutting pollution levels in the capital.

As the doctors’ letter makes clear, the time for action is now. With the health of future generations at stake, addressing the issue of wood-burning stoves and broader air pollution is a matter of urgency. The consequences of inaction are too grave to ignore.