New wood-burning stoves will carry a health warning highlighting the impact of the air pollution they produce, under UK government plans.
Ministers have also proposed cutting the limit on the smoke emitted from wood burners by 80%. However, the measure would only apply to new stoves, most of which already meet the stricter limit. The new limit would cut the annual toxic emissions from wood burning in the UK by only 10% over the next decade, according to the consultation.
Clean air campaigners said the proposals ignore the pollution from existing stoves and compared less polluting stoves to low-tar cigarettes.
Pollution from burning in homes is one of the UK’s biggest sources of air pollution, contributing 20% of fine particles, about the same as all road transport. The fine particles are the most dangerous air pollutant for human health, the government said. Wood-burning stoves and fires in homes are linked to 2,500 early deaths a year in the UK, according to a recent study, as well as 3,700 cases of diabetes and 1,500 cases of asthma.
Wood burners are used by about 12% of households, but more than 90% of these have other sources of heating. Many use the stoves and fires solely for their aesthetic appeal.
Emma Hardy, the air quality minister, said: “Dirty air robs people of their health and costs our NHS millions each year to treat lung conditions and asthma. We are determined to clean up our air. By limiting emission levels and introducing new labels as outlined in our consultation, families will be able to make better, healthier choices when heating their homes.”
The UK-wide consultation proposes labels for new stoves that clearly state the impact burning solid fuels has on the health of individuals and their families. A suggested warning reads: “Please be aware that this appliance emits air pollution into and around your home which can harm your health.” The label would also rate the energy efficiency of the stove from A to C.
Wood sold for burning would also carry a health warning, with a suggested wording reading: “Burning in the home leads to air pollution which has a negative impact on the health of you and your family.” The final proposed measure would increase the fine for fuel suppliers who sell insufficiently dry wood from £300 to £2,000. Damp wood produces more pollution.
The proposed limit for smoke emissions from new stoves is 1g per hour, down from the current 5g per hour. About 70% of stoves tested since 2018 already meet the new limit, the consultation said, and the new standard would not come into force for three to five years from the date the new law is passed.
The foreword to the consultation said: “We all deserve to live in an environment where our everyday lives are not negatively affected by the quality of the air that we breathe.” Emissions of fine particle pollution from domestic burning rose by 36% from 2009-20, largely due to a rise in emissions from the burning of wood.
Larissa Lockwood, director of clean air at Global Action Plan, said: “While measures to tighten pollution standards for wood burning stoves and better inform people of the health risks of these products at the point of sale are a good first step, they don’t go far enough.
“A less polluting stove is like a low tar cigarette: it’s slightly better for your health, but still significantly worse than not using them in the first place. We want to see further action from the government to ensure everyone can access cleaner, greener forms of heating and give local authorities the powers they need to curb harmful emissions for the benefit of their local communities.”
Research found that no prosecutions for illegal wood burning were made in England in the year to August 2025, despite 15,195 complaints. Only 24 fines were issued by local authorities during that period.
Jemima Hartshorn from the Mums for Lungs campaign group said: “Almost daily, people tell us about being smoked out of their homes and gardens, of non-stop coughing and wheezing during the winter despite their neighbours burning in a legal way across the country.
“Non-essential wood burning needs to end,. The consultation outline does not go far enough – it only suggests measures that will reduce wood burning from new stoves but does not address the huge pollution emitted by existing stoves. Hopefully, the final outcome will be more aligned with scientists and health professionals and the needs of the public and children’s health.”
The consultation closes on 19 March.
