Nearly two thirds of people in Northern Ireland are now concerned about the growing use of woodburning stoves, according to new polling from Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland.
The survey of 1,000 adults, carried out by Opinion Matters, found that 64.6% of respondents are concerned about increased use of woodburning stoves in their communities – a sharp rise from 48.6% in 2024/25.
Levels of strong concern have also grown. Almost a quarter (23.8%) said they were “extremely concerned”, up from 16.5%, while 40.8% described themselves as “quite concerned”, compared with 32.1% previously. Meanwhile, the proportion who were not concerned has fallen from 51.4% to 35.4%.
Air pollution affects everyone, but the charity warns it can be particularly harmful for people with lung conditions. Polling found that 67.8% of respondents were concerned about the impact of smoke from solid fuels in their area, and 57% said they worried about their family’s respiratory health.
A lack of public awareness is also troubling campaigners, with 69.2% saying they were concerned that people do not understand the health impacts of woodburning stoves.
Research shows that a single fireplace burning 10 pounds of wood for just one hour can emit up to 4,300 times more cancer-causing particles than 30 cigarettes. These emissions contribute to poor air quality, which can irritate airways, trigger inflammation and worsen conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland is calling for a new Clean Air Strategy with clear targets and legal obligations for government departments to improve air quality and health outcomes.
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland and chair of Healthy Air Northern Ireland said: ‘The idea of a cosy wood burner in your home might sound appealing, but the reality is it could be putting you, your family and community’s lung health at risk.
‘Burning solid fuels like wood, generates air pollution both inside and outside homes, particularly PM2.5, which is one of the most harmful pollutants to human health. Lungs can be irritated by the fumes from wood burners, forcing some people with lung conditions to stay inside or risk worsening their symptoms.
‘Although we are thankfully seeing an increased awareness in Northern Ireland of the health dangers posed by wood burning, many people are still unaware, and we need that to change.
‘We are urging the Executive to bring in stricter air pollution legislation as soon as possible, including for wood burning stoves, to help protect the health of our communities.’
The UK government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) are currently consulting on proposals to reduce pollution from domestic burning, including wood stoves. However, the charity believes the measures do not go far enough.
With the consultation closing on 19th March 2026, the organisation is urging people – particularly those with lung conditions or whose health is affected by smoke – to make their voices heard.
Photo: Lukas Kubica
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