Health warning to wood burning stove owners as heater linked to toxic chemicals

As energy bills continue to rise, many households are turning to wood burning stoves as a cheaper alternative to stay warm.However, these types of heaters pose both health and environmental issues and there are certain regulations when it comes to owning one.Not only have they been linked to cancer risks, they also emit large amounts of carbon dioxide, which wreaks havoc on Earth's climate.

Certain rules are now in place for wood burners to ensure they are safer and meet lower emissions standards.However, despite legislation and many now owning cleaner burning stoves, there are still serious health problems associated with having one in your home.Here's what you should know about wood burning stoves, as reported by Leicestershire Live.Government regulations on wood burning stoves state: "Burning at home, particularly with traditional house coal or wet wood, is a major source of the pollutant PM2.5 – which has been identified by the World Health Organisation as the most serious air pollutant for human health."A study conducted by the European Geosciences Union found that wood burners account for nearly 50 per cent of people's exposure to cancer causing chemicals, known as PAHs.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS) can cause lung cancer in those who are over-exposed to the chemical.They are mainly found in pollution particles that are produced when wood, coal, tobacco and gas and rubbish are burned.

While carcinogens are found in many things that we encounter daily, like burnt food and alcohol, researchers also found that 31 per cent of yearly PAHS come from burning wood, mostly in the winter.Not only does this pose risks for owners, but wood burning stoves can also impact the wider population.