I'm Only Using a Domestic Wood Burner For Aesthetic Reasons!

The serious heart and lung conditions associated with using domestic wood burners are well-documented (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/feb/20/hearths-on-fire-uk-residents-incensed-by-pollution-from-wood-burners). Some 38% of small particle (2.5 micron-sized) pollution is generated by open and closed wood fires. It has been suggested that this situation has 'crept up on us', whilst the focus has been on diesel car emissions. Many of the domestic wood burners, in the UK, are apparently used by people of high socioeconomic status (A and B groups), often in cottage retreats. A survey found that only 8% of people are generating this form of pollution. Most (around 67%) were completely unconcerned about the health impact of the smoke on their neighbours. When asked, why they use domestic wood burners, almost a half claim they do it for 'aesthetic' or 'traditional' reasons (in spite of having central heating in their homes). Very few have to burn wood to save money. As might be expected, this combination of factors is a recipe for bitter disputes between wood burning stove operators and their neighbours. There are online campaigns and legal complaints. Things are only likely to get worse, as sales of wood burning stoves have been bouyant over the Covid-19 lockdowns. Some people claim they need the fire to fully relax.