NEWS
The Hidden Health Risks of Home Heating:
What Every Homeowner Needs to Know
Understanding the Hidden Health Risks of Home Heating
Wood-burning stoves and open fires have become increasingly popular over recent decades. While they may create a cosy atmosphere, the by-products of combustion can cause serious harm to our health — especially for those suffering from asthma, respiratory infections, or general sensitivity to polluted air.
From wood to kerosene, gas to bioethanol, every fuel type carries risks. By understanding these risks, you can make informed choices about the way you heat your home.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Whenever you burn fuel of any kind, the process produces pollutants. These include fine particles (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and even heavy metals. Poor ventilation, faulty appliances, defective chimneys and flue systems, or outdated and/or poor installations can significantly increase exposure.
Homes with wood-burning stoves often have three times the level of indoor pollution compared to those without.
Heating Fuels and Their Health Impacts
Wood-Burning Stoves & Open Fires
Wood smoke contains:
- PM2.5 particles (dangerous to heart and lungs)
- Benzene & formaldehyde (carcinogens)
- PAHs (linked to cancer and immunity suppression)
- Carbon monoxide
- Dioxins
- Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic)
Wood burning can:
- Trigger asthma attacks.
- Increase risk of heart disease.
- Worsen COPD
- Increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.
- Raise cancer risk.
Even modern “eco-design” stoves release pollutants during lighting, operation, refuelling, and door opening.
Kerosene (Oil Boilers)
Kerosene combustion can release:
- Carbon monoxide
- PM2.5
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
- Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
- Formaldehyde
- Carcinogenic PAHs
The WHO recommends avoiding kerosene for domestic use due to its toxicity.
LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas)
LPG is cleaner than wood but still contains:
- Propane
- Butane
- Pentane
- Propylene
These can cause dizziness, respiratory irritation and skin dryness, especially with poor ventilation.
Kerosene (Oil Boilers)
Kerosene combustion can release:
- Carbon monoxide
- PM2.5
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
- Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
- Formaldehyde
- Carcinogenic PAHs
The WHO recommends avoiding kerosene for domestic use due to its toxicity.
LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas)
LPG is cleaner than wood but still contains:
- Propane
- Butane
- Pentane
- Propylene
These can cause dizziness, respiratory irritation and skin dryness, especially with poor ventilation.
Natural Gas
Safer than wood or kerosene, but risks include:
- Carbon monoxide leaks
- Fire/explosion risk.
- Nitrogen oxide emissions (can worsen asthma)
High-efficiency balanced-flue and glass-fronted gas fires significantly reduce exposure.
Bioethanol
Stylish and chimney-free, but:
- Extremely flammable
- Vapours can irritate the respiratory system.
- Impurities (e.g., methanol, acetic acid) may pose health risks.
- Accidents commonly occur during refuelling.
Electric Heating
The safest option for air quality.
No combustion, no fumes, and minimal health risks when used responsibly.
Safer Heating Choices
Lowest Risk
- Electric heating
- Balanced-flue, room-sealed gas appliances
- High-efficiency modern gas fires
Higher Risk
- LPG heaters
- Bioethanol burners
- Kerosene heaters
- Wood-burning stoves & open fires (highest risk)
How to Reduce Indoor Pollution
- Keep stoves regularly maintained.
- Ensure chimneys/flues are professionally inspected & assessed by a registered and insured technician.
- Never burn wood with a moisture content higher than 20%
- Store wood in a perfectly dry and ventilated area
- Avoid open fires entirely where possible.
- Improve room ventilation if operating any combustion appliance
- Upgrade insulation before adding the extra cost of standalone space heating.
- Keep stove doors closed during operation.
- Invest in a calibrated infra-red thermometer to confirm safe operational temperature parameters
Final Thoughts
Understanding the effects of combustion on indoor air quality can help you protect your health and make informed heating choices — especially if anyone in your home suffers from asthma or respiratory illness.
For specialist guidance, contact NACE (National Association of Chimney Engineers): info@nacegroup.co.uk or telephone them: 01526 322555
