Burning solid fuels releases harmful pollutants straight into the home as well as into the air outside. Defra has identified domestic burning of solid fuels as a significant contributor to the UK’s emissions of particulate matter.
Particulate matter is everything in the air that is not a gas and as such it is made up from a huge variety of chemical compounds and materials, some of which are toxic.
Coal burning produces sulphur dioxide, which is an irritant that can affect airways, particularly in those who have asthma.
Wet wood contains moisture which loses heat and creates smoke and harmful particulates when burned that can damage your stove and chimney.
Treated and waste wood such as old furniture, fence panels, etc or household rubbish can emit harmful fumes and toxic pollutants into your home and the wider environment.
Reducing how much you burn improves air quality for you and your neighbours.
To learn more about particulate matter, head to Emissions of air pollutants in the UK – Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) - GOV.UK