Health alliance objects to policy decision
The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC), which represents around 1 million health professionals, has responded to a government announcement that wood stoves will be allowed in new homes in England under the Future Homes and Buildings Standards coming into effect in 2025.
The UKHACC sent a letter to Matthew Pennycook, Minister of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Signed by Richard Smith, Chair of the UKHACC, and Professor Jill Belch (who is a DSAWSP board member), the letter expresses “significant concern” about the policy decision, which was influenced by wood stove industry lobbying.
The letter states:
Industry-sponsored publications promote wood burning stoves under the guise of environmental responsibility. This stance, supported by businesses whose vested interest lies in selling more stoves/wood, does not reflect independent scientific consensus and serves commercial aims, not public health.
The letter details the serious health effects and costs to the National Health Service that are linked to wood smoke pollution. They point out that those living nearby who chose not to burn wood are harmed along with the wood-burning households themselves, and that even eco-labelled wood stoves “generate high levels of particles.”
The detailed and well-referenced letter is available on the UKHACC’s website.
