The Truth About Wood Burning Stoves and “Cigarette Smoke”
Recent media headlines have claimed that wood burning stoves can damage lungs in the same way as cigarette smoke. According to the Stove Industry Association (SIA), this claim misrepresents the science — and risks confusing the public about the real facts surrounding modern, low-emission wood stoves.
What the Research Actually Says
These headlines are based on a presentation at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Amsterdam, yet the study itself does not show that wood burning stoves cause lung damage.
Instead, it focuses on mapping where solid fuel appliances are used, using census data and health surveys. Interestingly, the research found that solid fuel users had higher baseline lung function — and it concluded by calling for further studies using “quasi-experimental methods” to properly understand any long-term health impacts.
In short, the study does not link stove use to lung disease, nor does it claim that stove emissions are equivalent to cigarette smoke.
Cigarette Smoke vs. Modern Ecodesign Stoves
The comparison with smoking simply doesn’t stack up.
- Cigarettes deliver concentrated toxins directly into the lungs, several times a day.
- Modern Ecodesign stoves, by contrast, are sealed, efficient appliances that vent emissions outdoors through a chimney flue.
When properly installed and used with dry, Woodsure Ready to Burn-certified wood, indoor emissions from a modern wood stove are minimal and cannot be compared to cigarette smoke exposure.
The Importance of Modern Stove Technology
Not all stoves are the same — and this is a crucial distinction that’s often ignored.
Since January 2022, every new stove sold in the UK must meet Ecodesign efficiency and emissions standards. These modern stoves produce up to 90% fewer particulates than an open fire.
Consumers can also look for the clearSkies certification mark, an independent quality label proving a stove meets — or exceeds — Ecodesign requirements. In Smoke Control Areas, only exempt appliances can be legally used to burn wood.
Best Practice for Cleaner, More Efficient Heating
To keep emissions low and stove performance high:
- Burn only Woodsure Ready to Burn logs (under 20% moisture).
- Use a HETAS or OFTEC-registered installer for fitting.
- Sweep chimneys regularly.
- Follow the manufacturer’s refuelling and maintenance guidance.
These steps ensure your stove runs efficiently, safely, and with minimal impact on indoor air quality.
Wood Fuel: A Renewable and Affordable Energy Source
When used correctly, wood fuel remains a renewable, affordable, and resilient heating solution for many UK households — especially as a complement to low-carbon systems like heat pumps. It provides reliable heat, energy independence, and comfort, particularly in rural or off-grid homes.
The SIA Calls for Accuracy in Reporting
The Stove Industry Association welcomes high-quality research into air quality and health, but warns that misleading comparisons damage public understanding.
Modern, Ecodesign-compliant wood burning stoves are not equivalent to smoking cigarettes, and suggesting otherwise ignores both technological progress and real-world data.
“It’s vital that the public receives accurate, evidence-based information,” says the SIA.
“Today’s wood stoves are clean, efficient, and part of a sustainable future for home heating.”
