Wood smoke is pollution

Wood burning is a major source of harmful air pollution in many communities, yet there is a critical lack of awareness about this serious public health and environmental issue.

Photo: Taihape, New Zealand © Rob Suisted/www.naturespic.com
A view overlooking a semi-rural-appearing residential neighborhood. The houses are fairly close together, on a hill, with trees between them. Several of the homes have plumes of smoke coming from their chimneys. Smoke is especially noticeable coming from three houses in the foreground, with large plumes drifting over surrounding houses. A view overlooking a populated, but semi-rural-appearing residential neighborhood. The houses are fairly close together, on a hill, with trees between them. Several of the homes have plumes of smoke coming from their chimneys. Smoke is especially noticeable coming from three houses in the foreground, with large plumes drifting over surrounding houses.
A young boy in pajamas plays on the floor with colorful blocks next to a lit wood stove. Ash is visible on the floor next to the child.
Air Pollution

How wood burning harms our health

Hundreds of studies have linked the fine particles and toxins found in wood smoke with a wide range of serious health outcomes, including premature deaths.

Wood smoke and health
Chimney smoke shrouds nearby homes in smoke.
Residential Burning

Wood stoves

As polluting as a fleet of heavy-duty diesel trucks, a newer certified wood stove is part of the problem, not the solution.
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A house has a large smoke-producing cigarette as a chimney.
Secondhand Smoke

Wood smoke is the other secondhand smoke

Smoke is harmful to breathe, no matter what form of burning plant material it comes from.
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The earth cooks over an open fire.
Environment

Wood burning and our climate

Wood burning emits significant amounts of climate pollutants that contribute to global warming.
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Localized Harm

Neighbors suffer

Is wood smoke affecting you? You are not alone! Read others’ stories and share your own.

Read and share stories
His wood stove burns day and night and a heavy cloud of smoke surrounds my home… My asthma has become worse and my inhalers are not helping…
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We spent thousands of dollars on renovations, weatherproofing and high-end HEPA air filters in every room to no avail…
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I have a neighbor who continually has campfires 30 feet from my house… My wife has been hospitalized due to smoke inhalation…
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We had to move from our house that we loved. It filled with smoke from a neighbour’s wood burner…
A large open quotation mark.

News and extras

News, commentary and more about wood smoke pollution.

More News and Extras
A stack of firewood is piled in front of a lit wood stove. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation logo is on top, and it says ABC Radio Sydney
News

Sydney radio interview about wood smoke

Dr Dorothy Robinson talks about the hazards of wood smoke pollution on ABC radio.
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A view of a modern residential street in an English town.
News

Health alliance objects to policy decision

A large alliance of UK health professionals recommends banning wood stoves in new homes.
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A nighttime view of a suburban residential street in London.
News

We’re supporting Clean Air Night

DSAWSP is joining Clean Air Night this year, which aims to “shine a light on the uncomfortable truth about wood burning.”
Read more
More news and extras
Pollution Hotspots

Inappropriate risk

Wood burning creates intense local pollution hotspots that are not revealed by overall community air quality measurements.

Smoke rises from a house’s chimney.
Smoke billows from a house’s chimney.