Surrounded and sickened
I live in a small village in the UK.
20 years ago I had 3 neighbours with coal and wood fires. I now have around 23 houses within a 200 meter radius of my house with wood burners. Some of these fires are being used as the primary heat source and I know of at least 3 houses that are using chemically treated wood on their fires and the smoke is virtually 24 hours a day.
I am also aware of a number of people fitting wood burners into garden sheds, garages, man caves and caravans. Presumably these fires don’t comply with any chimney regulations.
Eight years ago I started to experience eye, nose and throat pain with a hot burning sensation radiating down into my chest. I had numerous visits to the doctor and was advised to wear a respirator and goggles whilst outside.
So I bought a chemical style respirator but as we all know from covid times wearing a mask outside or being forced to stay inside is for long periods is not nice.
Gradually over the last few years I have started to develop breathing problems and my doctor referred me to a specialist. Last year I had 16 visits to hospital, I had heart, lung function and allergy tests, 3 chest X-rays, 3 CT scans, 2 ultrasound tests and numerous consultations plus respiratory physiotherapy and the cardiologist said my symptoms are likely being caused by smoke particles irritating my respiratory tract.
My breathing has become so difficult that I am finding it difficult to work as a self-employed gardener and this is also affecting my income.
I have spoken casually to a few neighbours about my issues but they usually say they can’t afford or are not prepared to heat differently, which I don’t believe as I live in a very affluent area.
As a keen gardener I get so depressed when I can’t go outside to tend my garden or wash my car because of smoke. Even when I am in the house I experience the symptoms because the smoke penetrates the house, even my bedroom reeks of smoke.
We all talk about the greedy utility companies, but I feel there’s just as much greed from householders trying to get free heat by burning solid fuel.