Call to ban wood-burning stoves in Wales over health fears
Asthma + Lung UK Cymru released a report urging the Welsh Government to raise awareness about the health risks of pollutants from domestic burning.
The charity's poll of 1,000 people in Wales found that more than half (53.6 per cent) were concerned about air quality in their area, but less than half (47.2 per cent) were worried about wood-burning stoves.
Joseph Carter, head of Asthma + Lung UK Cymru, said: "It is worrying that although people are concerned about their lung health and air pollution, less than half of people questioned in our survey were not aware of the dangers of wood-burning stoves.
"The idea of a cosy wood burner in our homes might sound appealing, but the reality is it could be putting you, your family and neighbours' lung health at risk."
The report recommends banning the installation of new stoves in homes, phasing out domestic wood burning in urban areas, and launching a national campaign on the health impacts of air pollution.
Judy, a retired asthma sufferer, said: "If your lungs are sensitive, and you inhale wood smoke regularly, it's worse than second-hand cigarette smoke — and recovery is difficult, if not impossible."
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