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A new report suggests that prohibiting the use of solid fuels like wood and log burners in UK homes could save 1,500 lives annually and a whopping £54m in NHS funding. Environmental consultancy firm Ricardo has urged for stricter regulation on the use of solid fuel burners in homes, including wood burners and log fireplaces. The firm links these to various health issues such as heart conditions, lung disease, strokes, cancer, and more.

The report also discovered that thousands of diabetes and asthma cases each year are associated with domestic burning, impacting people's quality of life and putting pressure on NHS resources. Commissioned by Global Action Plan and Hertfordshire County Council, the study examined the health effects of domestic burning across the UK.

The report revealed that domestic burning is one of the largest contributors to fine particulate matter air pollution in the UK, a type of indoor emission pollution connected to a variety of health problems.

Domestic combustion is also responsible for an average of 3,741 new diabetes cases and 1,493 new asthma cases annually. These health concerns not only severely affect individuals' quality of life but also burden NHS resources, according to Ricardo.

The study explored the impacts of fully implementing existing Smoke Control Area legislation, such as banning certain solid fuels or the use of chimneys to produce smoke, compared to behavioural changes like eliminating all 'non-essential' domestic burning of solid fuels.

The study revealed that halting all non-essential domestic burning could potentially save up to £54 million in healthcare costs annually and prevent £164 million in wider productivity costs to the UK economy each year. This would provide benefits almost five times greater than those achievable through existing Smoking Control Area legislation alone.

Guy Hitchcock, Air Quality Technical Director, commented in the report: "Domestic burning releases fine pollution particles that can be absorbed through the lungs and bloodstream, leading to or exacerbating health issues including asthma, lung cancer, diabetes, and strokes - among others."

He added: "This directly affects individuals in houses where burning takes place, but also neighbours and communities. From an economic perspective, these health issues cost the NHS millions every year and take up significant resource. Not only would reducing domestic burning improve public health, but it would reduce economic losses from time off work."

Larissa Lockwood, Director of Policy & Campaigns at Global Action Plan, stated: "We all need to stay warm this winter, and we also need to think about the health impacts of our heating choices. An open fire or wood burning stove is the most polluting way to heat a home - air pollution from wood burning stoves is cutting lives short, putting people in hospital, and contributing to serious health conditions for people across the UK.

"It's an uncomfortable fact, but the health burden of wood burning on the British public is simply too big to ignore. Existing measures to curb wood burning emissions are not tackling the burning problem at hand.

"The UK Government must take action to ensure everyone can access cleaner, greener and more affordable heating - including ensuring homes are properly insulated - as well as strengthening powers to allow local authorities to tackle air pollution, and providing clear guidance for the public on the health harms of burning wood and other solid fuels in our homes."

A Government spokesperson responded: "Air pollution is a serious public health issue. As set out in our NHS 10-Year Plan, we are committed to reducing emissions from domestic burning to protect public health and local communities.

"Since 2018, £575 million has been provided to support local authorities improve air quality and we are working alongside them to cut emissions so that everyone's exposure to air pollution is reduced."

Calvin May, Head of Technical Services at HETAS, a non-profit organisation which represents the interests of solid fuel manufacturers, rejected the demands for a prohibition.

He declared: "The Ricardo report recommendation, to reduce the use of solid fuel burners,is not realistic, practical advice. We need workable solutions, not blanket bans.

"With local authorities themselves noting low levels of public awareness, the priority must be education, awareness, and better implementation of existing rules. Government have said they do not intend to ban domestic burning, so we must strive to continue improving.

"It is vital that we consider the practical implications behind any attempts to continue improving the UK's air quality."