Merton Council is asking residents with real coal fires or wood burning appliances not to use them this winter unless there is no other option, to help reduce dangerous air pollution in the borough.
Wood burning stoves and coal fires are the second-largest source of the pollutant ‘PM2.5’ – tiny particles that can increase the risk of stroke, asthma, lung cancer, heart disease and dementia. This poses a particular risk during the winter months to those with underlying respiratory or cardiovascular health conditions.
It is estimated that around 4,000 premature deaths occur each year in London due to long-term exposure to air pollution, of which about 284 are attributable to domestic wood burning.
As part of the Council’s Air Quality Action Plan, we are working with residents to tackle local sources of emissions. For many years Merton has been a Smoke Control Area, meaning you can’t emit an excessive amount of smoke from a chimney, and should use an authorised fuel or an appliance approved by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
It’s also important to use dry storage as any damp fuel may cause excessive smoke, and fine can be applied.
Councillor Natasha Irons, Cabinet Member for Local Environment, Green Spaces and Climate Change said: “Clean air is a human right, much like clean water. It’s thought around 300 people die each year in London as a result of household wood burning – and as tempting as it is to avoid turning the electric on in winter to cope with the cost of living crisis – but wood burning can have unintended consequences.”
Last week, Cabinet approved an additional £1 million be added to Merton’s Cost of Living Fund bringing the total to £3 million to provide practical support, advice and information to people during the cost of living crisis.
Months of high inflation and interest rates, and persistent high costs for housing, food, and energy are continuing to impact people across our community and are being deeply felt by residents, particularly those on low incomes.
You can find out more about energy support on the Council’s website, see the “Staying Warm” and “Using Energy” sections at www.merton.gov.uk/CostofLiving.
Vulnerable residents can also get support with their home’s energy efficiency and save money. Thinking Works is an organisation working hard to reduce fuel poverty, providing “Winter Warmth” home visits and telephone advice.
They can also check if you are eligible for grants for insulation and heating works. This service is available if you are aged 65 or over, or have a long-term health condition or disability, or are on a low income. Call 0800 118 23 27 to find out more.
To learn more about wood burning in the borough visit the Merton Smoke control and domestic wood burning.