Wood burning stoves are good for your health, report says

A woman putting wood on a wood burning stove
-Credit:Getty


Owning a wood-burning stove is good for your physical and mental health, according to a new report. Previous reports have linked open fires in a home to poor health - with concerns over pollution which have seen tough rules banning fires in some cities.

But a new report says a log burner is actually good for your health. The Socioeconomic and Wellbeing Benefits of Stove Ownership and Use report, authored by Dr Andrew Price-Allison, Dr Josh Cottom, and Dr Edward Mitchell, provides an analysis of the benefits of wood-burning stoves.

It pulls together data from academic publications, industry reports, and recent surveys across the UK and Europe. The report claims that stove users report positive effects on their personal wellbeing, including relaxation and reduced stress levels.

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And it says watching a flame can lower blood pressure and mitigate the risk of high blood pressure, contributing to overall health improvements.

The report says stoves offer a low-cost alternative to gas and electric heating, providing cost savings, especially during energy crises and offer reliable heating during power outages and extreme weather events. And it says a central fireplace fosters family bonding and communication, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

James Verlaque, technical manager for the Stove Industry Association, who oversaw the research, said: “This study reveals that the benefits of stove ownership extend far beyond secondary heating. They play a crucial role in enhancing psychological wellbeing, economic stability, and social cohesion. Research into all facets of modern wood burning technology and techniques is critical to the ongoing dialogue around domestic combustion to ensure that debate is well informed and balanced.”

The SIA is currently running its #PositiveWoodBurning campaign which aims to highlight the benefits of modern wood-burning stoves and promote user best practice.