Why is woodsmoke a problem?
Smoke from wood heaters is a major cause of air pollution. In fact, during winter, wood heaters can produce up to seven times as much particle pollution as cars. Not only is a smoking fire wasting your money, but the air pollution it causes can also affect our health.
That's why we need to change the way we use our heaters.
Woodsmoke contains a number of noxious gases (including carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and a range of organic compounds, some of which are toxic or carcinogenic) and fine particles, which go deep into the lungs.
Table 1 shows the annual emissions contribution of domestic solid fuel combustion to total (i.e. human and natural derived sources) annual emissions of air pollutants in the Greater Metropolitan Region (GMR) and Sydney Region. Refer to Air Emissions Inventory for the Greater Metropolitan Region in NSW for a detailed description of sources, pollutants and regions.
It indicates that domestic solid fuel combustion contributes a significant proportion of many of the air pollutants listed.
|
Table 1 Annual emissions contribution (%) of domestic solid fuel combustion* |
| Air pollutant |
Greater metropolitan region |
Sydney region |
|
1,3-Butadiene |
6 |
8 |
| Benzene |
17 |
18 |
| Carbon monoxide (CO) |
3 |
5 |
| Formaldehyde |
36 |
36 |
| Isomers of xylene |
1 |
1 |
| Particulate matter ≤ 10 microns (PM10) |
7 |
19 |
| Particulate matter ≤ 2.5 microns (PM2.5) |
13 |
29 |
| Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) |
17 |
19 |
| Toluene |
2 |
2 |
| Volatile organic compounds (VOC) |
3 |
6 |
|
*Source: Air Emissions Inventory for the Greater Metropolitan Region in NSW |
These pollutants can cause breathing difficulties even at relatively low levels, especially for people suffering existing respiratory conditions, such as asthmatics, and for very young children and frail older people.
There is also evidence that smoke pollution can cause cardiac problems.
If you can see or smell smoke from your wood heater then you are causing a problem for yourself, your family and your neighbors.
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In winter, there is more particle pollution caused by woodsmoke than any other single source.
In Sydney, domestic solid fuel combustion contributes 19% and 29% of annual PM10 and PM2.5 particle pollution, respectively. On a winter weekend day, the contribution of PM10 and PM2.5 particle pollution can be as high as 48% and 60%, respectively. In colder climates, such as Armidale, the contribution of woodsmoke to particle pollution is higher.
The fine particles in woodsmoke contribute to the brown haze often seen on still winter mornings.
Figures 1 and 2 below show the average winter weekday and average winter weekend day emissions contribution of domestic solid fuel combustion to total emissions of PM10 and PM2.5 particle pollution, respectively in the Sydney Region.
Figure 1 indicates that domestic solid fuel combustion contributes 38% and 52% of average winter weekday PM10 and PM2.5 particle pollution, respectively.
Figure 1: Average winter weekday emissions contribution (%) of domestic solid fuel combustion*
Sydney Region
(total PM10 = 84 tonnes/day)
(total PM2.5 = 59 tonnes/day)
*Source: Air Emissions Inventory for the Greater Metropolitan Region in NSW
Figure 2 indicates that domestic solid fuel combustion contributes 48% and 60% of average winter weekend day PM10 and PM2.5 particle pollution, respectively.
Figure 2: Average winter weekend day emissions contribution (%) of domestic solid fuel combustion*
Sydney Region
(total PM10 = 94 tonnes/day)
(total PM2.5 = 73 tonnes/day)
*Source: Air Emissions Inventory for the Greater Metropolitan Region in NSW
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Weather patterns during the winter months, together with the increase in woodsmoke, influence air quality.
Wind, temperature and sunlight all have an impact on the movement and dispersion of particle pollution. Temperature inversions, where pollution is trapped in a cold layer of air at ground level, can also have an impact.
The topography of the Sydney Basin (and to a lesser degree that of the Illawarra and the lower Hunter) can also affect the dispersion of pollutants.
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OEH community research has consistently found air quality is the second most important environmental issue to NSW residents, following water issues.
Woodsmoke pollution from neighboring chimneys is the source of many complaints to local councils throughout NSW.
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Page last updated: 06 June 2011
