HEALTH campaigners have demanded that the Welsh government places tough restrictions on wood-burning stoves.

Asthma + Lung UK Cymru released a report today calling for stricter regulations and urged the Welsh government to raise public awareness about the health risks of pollutants from domestic burning.

Head of Asthma + Lung UK Cymru Joseph Carter said: “The idea of a cosy wood burner in our homes might sound appealing, but the reality is it could be putting you, your family and your neighbours’ lung health at risk.

“It is worrying that although people are concerned about their lung health and air pollution, fewer than half of the people questioned in our survey were aware of the dangers of wood-burning stoves."

The charity said that fine particles in the air from burning wood are harmful to human health and are worse for people with a lung condition, or who are elderly or very young.

The asthma campaigners want the Welsh government to ban the installation of new stoves in homes and phase out domestic wood burning in urban areas.

Asthma Cymru demanded that the Welsh government launches a national campaign on the health impacts of air pollution, with clear guidance for households using wood-burning stoves or open fires.

The charity also wants the government to install monitoring stations in every community to track air quality, identify hot spots and issue health alerts to support improved air quality.

A Welsh government spokesperson said: “We are committed to reducing the impacts of air pollution on human health, biodiversity and our economy.

“The Act means we have a duty to promote awareness of the harms and effects of air quality, which includes the negative effects wood burning can have on people’s health and the environment.

“This summer, we expect to consult on a delivery plan, developed with partners, which sets out the actions we will take to better inform the public and enable people to make healthier choices.”