Summary
A new study shows that burning wood to heat homes in winter contributes to around 8,600 early deaths each year in the U.S. This is due to fine particles released into the air, which can cause serious health problems. Only two percent of U.S. households mainly use wood for heating, but it still has a big impact on air quality.
Key Facts
- Burning wood for heating is linked to about 8,600 early deaths annually in the U.S.
- Residential wood burning accounts for nearly 22% of wintertime fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions in the U.S.
- PM2.5 is a type of air pollution that can cause lung and heart diseases.
- Only two percent of U.S. households primarily use wood burning for heat.
- Wood burning contributes more PM2.5 than the transportation sector in winter.
- In metro areas like NYC and Washington D.C., wood smoke can travel between states.
- Reducing wood burning emissions could improve air quality and health.
