The “Centre for Cities” annual study of the UK has highlighted the dangers of air pollution across many of the U.K.’s major cities. While there is a huge North-South divide with regards to particulate matter (PM2.5), with the South fairing worst, the Scottish government has already promised action in the short term. However, there are some obvious discrepancies in the report and concerns that wood-burning stoves are yet again unfairly taking the brunt of the criticism.
Long-term air pollution
The report suggests that one in 29 deaths in Scotland’s large towns and cities is now linked in some shape or form to air pollution. Quite how air pollution equates to JUST wood-burning stoves in the mind of politicians and regulators is unclear. There are numerous ways in which air pollution is created with ever more efficient wood-burning stoves having a reduced impact. It is common knowledge that PM2.5 particles are extremely dangerous because they can be inhaled deep into the lungs. This can lead to an array of medical conditions such as asthma and other more serious illnesses.
Calls for ban on wood-burning stoves
The Centre for Cities is now calling for a ban on wood-burning stoves right across Scotland. While appreciating that transport has been and continues to be a significant contributor to air pollution, great focus has been placed upon wood-burning stoves and open fires. Again, as we have said time and time again, to group wood-burning stoves and open fires together as one “contributor” is misleading. We know that a traditional wood-burning stove can be anywhere upwards of 80% efficient while even the most efficient open fires will be no more than 30% efficient. Regulators are again comparing apples and pears and putting them into the same basket.
Improvements in technology
At this moment in time it looks as though the Scottish government will resist calls to ban wood-burning stoves outright. We may see further restrictions in some of the larger towns and cities across Scotland but we are unlikely to see an outright ban. Not once in the report is there mention of the huge improvement in combustion technology over the last decade. Not once is there a report to highlight the EcoDesign directive introduced by the European Union – which many wood-burning stove manufacturers have already introduced more than two years before its official date.
In years gone by regulators have asked wood-burning stove companies to improve their efficiency, which they have followed, they have asked for a reduction in emissions, which they have followed, what next?
Conspiracy theories
There is a growing concern that homeowners with wood-burning stoves have become an easy target for the UK authorities and in this particular situation the Scottish government. Green and eco-friendly government policies are front and centre when it comes to politics at this moment in time. Why not go after the gas guzzling airlines? The huge cruise ships which regularly dock in Scotland?
It would appear at this moment in time that households with extremely efficient wood-burning stoves are an easy target and a “vote winner” with the green fraternity. However, we have seen the London authorities, UK government and now the Scottish government all talking about extending restrictions on wood-burning stoves. So far, it does not appear as though they have found the smoking gun which would justify such a move. Will they keep on looking?