Wood heaters and fire pits are causing significant health issues for individuals, particularly those with asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory conditions. The pollutants released from burning wood, such as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, can exacerbate these conditions, leading to hospitalizations and even premature deaths. A study published in The Medical Journal of Australia estimated that wood heaters cause between 11 and 63 premature deaths every year in the ACT. In response to this research, there have been calls to ban new wood heaters and phase out existing units in urban and suburban areas.
Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wood heaters can have serious health consequences, including reduced life expectancy. A recent report from the NSW government found that wood heaters were the leading cause of PM2.5 in Greater Sydney, surpassing emissions from industry and motor vehicles, and resulting in an estimated 269 premature deaths annually. Asthma Australia has written to Victorian ministers urging a ban on new wood heater installations in residential areas and raising concerns about the growing popularity of fire pits. The organization is also seeking nationwide action to address this issue.
Despite these concerns, representatives of wood fire manufacturers argue that banning new installations is not the solution and that the focus should be on phasing out older wood heaters that no longer meet Australian standards. Tim Cannon, the general manager of the Australian Home Heating Association, suggests that removing these older units would resolve wood smoke issues. He also raises the question of what would happen in the event of power outages during winter if wood heaters had been completely phased out, posing challenges for heating options in homes.
Individuals like Noula Giuliano, who developed asthma recently and suffered an asthma attack due to wood fire smoke exposure, have experienced significant health consequences as a result of wood heaters. She spent two weeks in intensive care and continues to struggle with the aftermath of her asthma attack. Giuliano believes that using wood for heating is unnecessary and traumatic, advocating for alternative heating methods like fake heaters to avoid the health risks associated with wood smoke. Her experience highlights the serious impact that wood heaters can have on individuals’ health and well-being.
The ACT government has committed to phasing out wood heaters by 2045, acknowledging the health risks associated with wood smoke emissions. Likewise, Victoria’s Air Quality Strategy has highlighted the harmful compounds released by wood heaters and their impact on health costs. Asthma Australia’s advocacy efforts, along with research studies and government reports, underscore the urgent need to address the health effects of wood heaters and fire pits. By implementing measures to phase out older units and exploring alternative heating solutions, policymakers and stakeholders can work towards mitigating the health risks associated with wood smoke emissions and improving air quality for all residents.
