Have you got ‘stove stigma’?
Council campaigns about the dangers of air pollution from wood-burning stoves have sparked embarrassment among some owners.
In Brighton, residents have asked chimney sweeps to park away from their homes to avoid alerting neighbours to their wood-burning stoves.
The issue gained attention after Brighton and Hove City Council launched its “Cosy Killer” campaign last month. Bus stop adverts emphasised that wood-burning stoves produce more of the dangerous pollutant PM2.5 than all the UK’s road traffic.
“I strongly believe most people who burn at home simply aren’t aware of the harm they’re doing,” said Tim Rowkins, a Brighton and Hove councillor.
Rob Whittington, a Sussex-based chimney sweep, said the campaign had created an “adversarial dynamic.” Some customers had even requested that he park discreetly to avoid revealing their stove ownership.
“Ironically, these individuals are doing a good thing by having their chimneys swept regularly, which helps reduce emissions and ensures safer operation,” said Whittington, who trades as The Purple Sweep. “The stigma created by campaigns like Cosy Killer can discourage responsible practices and foster a culture of secrecy rather than openness and improvement.”
“Nobody should feel ashamed for having a wood-burning stove or an open fireplace and having used it in the past,” added Jemima Hartshorn from Mums for Lungs. However, she urged local and national governments to continue advising against wood burning due to its health impacts.
“The research is clear — regular exposure to wood-burning smoke increases the risk of lung cancer, particularly in women and children,” Hartshorn said. “But awareness remains far too low in this country.”
The issue has also sparked debate on social media this month between councils and stove manufacturers. Hackney Council posted on X: “Let’s make a difference together!” alongside an image of particles in lungs and a call to curb wood burning for health reasons.
The Stove Industry Association responded that switching from open fires to modern stoves and using only dry wood is the most effective way to reduce pollution. Hackney Council replied: “An effective way to improve air quality is to ditch wood burning altogether and switch to mains electricity.”
This Wednesday evening marks Clean Air Night, featuring events around the UK, including a classical music performance in Liverpool based on the city’s air pollution data.
“Wood burning releases toxic fine-particle air pollution inside and outside the home — causing heart and lung disease, diabetes, and dementia — as well as producing carbon emissions that contribute to climate change,” said Larissa Lockwood, director of clean air at the charity Global Action Plan, which organises Clean Air Night.
Similar disputes have occurred online between Hertfordshire County Council and the stove manufacturer Charnwood. According to The Times, backlash against councils’ anti-burning campaigns last year was so intense that some authorities removed posts highlighting the health impacts of stoves.
What are your views? Do you have a wood burner? Are you aware of the harm they can cause? Do you think twice now about lighting your woodburner?