A grieving mother, whose young daughter tragically died in 2013 with air pollution listed as a factor, is calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to address the issue of wood-burning stoves. Ella Kissi-Debrah, aged nine, was the first person in the UK to have air pollution recognised as a cause of death in a 2021 coroner’s report. Over 100 senior doctors have issued a warning about the significant health impacts of wood-burning stoves and have urged Starmer to take action.
The doctors highlighted Ella’s case as a wake-up call regarding the health damage caused by air pollution. Rosamund Kissi-Debrah, Ella’s mother, expressed her support for the doctors’ call to the Prime Minister, emphasising the invisible yet dangerous effects of air pollution on individuals, especially children. The group of health professionals is urging the government to intensify efforts in reducing air pollution, estimated to cause around 38,000 premature deaths annually.
Wood-burning stoves contribute significantly to PM2.5 air pollution, a hazardous pollutant. These stoves, which account for 27% of particulate pollution emissions in the UK, surpass emissions from cars. The health professionals suggest actions like educating the public about the health risks associated with wood burners to improve air quality and public health.
Campaign group Ride for Their Lives organised and delivered the letter to Starmer, proposing measures to tackle wood stove emissions. Implementing strategies to curb emissions from wood stoves, which reportedly range from 150,000 to 200,000 units sold annually, could positively impact urban air quality. The rise in wood stove installations in middle-class homes has contributed to polluted air in various UK locations.
The health professionals also advocate for initiatives like pedestrianised school streets to encourage active travel and reduce pollution. They stress that there is no safe level of air pollution and call on the government to prioritise public health over political interests. Environment Secretary Steve Reed has committed to meeting targets set by the Environment Act to reduce PM2.5 pollution by 2040.
In response to the concerns raised, the government pledges to devise a comprehensive clean air strategy aimed at protecting the public from the harms of pollution. The health professionals are hopeful that through collective efforts, including collaboration with regional authorities, the UK can achieve significant improvements in air quality, benefiting the nation’s health in the long run.