New research conducted in six European towns and cities suggests that children’s exposure to pollution from home wood-burning can be as significant as their exposure to traffic exhaust. Scientists measured levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of harmful pollutants emitted when fuels like wood are burned, in indoor spaces where children spend much of their time, including schools, sports centers, and homes.
The study, led by researchers from the Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IEAWR) in Barcelona, measured PAH concentrations in Athens, Barcelona, Colchester, Copenhagen, Helsinki, and Lisbon. Findings revealed that urban areas with prevalent wood-burning, such as Colchester and Athens, exhibited the highest PAH levels. In contrast, cities like Barcelona and Lisbon, where wood-burning is uncommon, showed the lowest levels.
Health Risks Linked to Wood-Burning Pollutants
Dr. Barend van Drooge, the study’s senior author, highlighted the health risks associated with prolonged PAH exposure, noting connections to cancer and cognitive development delays as recognized by the International Agency for Cancer Research. Notably, PAH exposure in Colchester and Athens exceeded World Health Organization guidelines, raising concerns about children’s vulnerability during critical developmental stages.
Environment Variations and Seasonal Impact
Indoor pollution levels varied by location type, with sports centers showing the lowest PAH concentrations, followed by schools. However, some schools near busy roads experienced elevated levels. The highest concentrations were found in homes located in neighborhoods reliant on wood-burning heating methods, often featuring open fireplaces or stoves. Winter months demonstrated significantly higher PAH levels compared to summer, with Colchester homes reporting wintertime high-molecular-weight PAH levels more than ten times greater than summer levels.
Broader Implications Across the UK and Europe
The study’s findings on PAH exposure are not isolated to Colchester. Analysis from University College London indicates that wood burner density is even higher in other UK areas like Worthing, Norwich, and Reading. A separate winter study in Anglesey, Wales, found children in homes with wood burners exposed to over three times more particulate pollution than those in non-wood-burning homes, with homes generally showing higher pollution than schools. In Greece, increased wood-burning during the 2008 financial crisis contributed to a rise in particle pollution–related deaths, especially among the elderly.
While the study did not report cities exceeding unacceptable lifetime cancer risk limits, its results underscore the growing contribution of wood-burning to urban air pollution and highlight the importance of understanding and managing indoor environmental health risks for children.
