Today is “Walk out Wednesday”, the largest organised strike in the UK since 2011, where up to half a million workers are walking out in a dispute over pay, jobs and conditions. While there most certainly will be less traffic adding to the pollution of our streets today, just last week London recorded its worst air pollution levels in six years, which has mainly been attributed to the burning of wood in homes.
With a concentration of PM2.5, the tiny particles that are harmful to human health, reaching 1.2 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality guideline value. As the economy continues to struggle and people spend more and more time indoors, what does this contentious issue mean for the future of clean air in our capital city?
On one hand, wood burning is seen as a cheap and efficient source of heating. Proponents argue that wood-burning stoves are certified and emit fewer pollutants than traditional home heating methods. However, many are quick to point out that there is a significant amount of cognitive dissonance in this argument. If people wouldn’t smoke 225 cigarettes worth of harmful particles, why would they think emitting the same amount in just 1 kg of burnt wood is acceptable?
On the other hand, those who are critical of wood burning argue that it is not cheaper, and that burning wood of any kind in an urban area for heating is poisoning neighbours. This is because the government allows the burning of some highly polluting substances, even in certified stoves. This problem is not limited to cities, as rural areas are also affected by fires and even DEFRA-approved Ecostoves. In some cases, people are burning wood for aesthetics rather than necessity, despite being connected to the grid.
So what are the implications of this air pollution crisis in London? Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as decreased life expectancy. These tiny particles are able to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing serious health problems in both the short and long term. The current levels of PM2.5 in London pose a significant risk to public health, and urgent action must be taken to reduce these levels.
From an MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) and Building Services Engineering perspective, there are steps that can be taken to improve the air quality in London. When buildings are refurbished, repurposed or internal systems upgraded, there is opportunity to greatly improve the energy efficiency of a building and reduce its impact on the environment. Building services engineers play a crucial role in this process, as they are responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems in a building.
Refurbishing buildings is not just about improving energy efficiency; it is also about improving indoor air quality. By updating and modernising the building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, building services engineers can help reduce the levels of pollutants in the air. For example, by installing high-efficiency filters, engineers can trap harmful particulate matter, preventing it from finding its way into our lungs. This is a crucial step in ensuring that the air people are breathing is safe and healthy.
The London government has issued guidance on wood burning, encouraging residents to switch to cleaner forms of heating and to only burn dry, well-seasoned wood in properly installed and maintained stoves. They also advise against burning wet wood, which emits more pollutants, and encourage the use of smokeless fuels where possible.
In conclusion, the issue of wood burning and its impact on air pollution in London is complex and multifaceted and will likely take some time to reach a widespread resolution. The London government is taking steps to reduce the levels of PM2.5 in the city, but in many cases it is up to individual residents to make the switch to cleaner forms of heating and to take responsibility for their own impact on air quality. As the old saying goes, “a stitch in time saves nine.” Now is the time for Londoners to act to protect their health and the health of their communities.