Fighting Particle Pollution: Strategies For Cleaner Air

Particle pollution, also known as particulate matter (PM), is a serious issue that poses significant risks to human health and the environment. PM refers to a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air, which can be inhaled and cause adverse health effects, especially on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. With particles smaller than 10 micrometres (PM10) capable of entering the lungs, and even finer particles of 2.5 micrometres or less (PM2.5) penetrating deeper into the lungs and potentially reaching the bloodstream, it is crucial to address and reduce particle pollution. This can be achieved through a combination of individual actions and broader regulatory measures.

Avoid burning candles, incense, or other items in the home

Burning candles, incense, or other similar items can emit harmful particles that can negatively impact indoor air quality and have adverse effects on your health. These particles, known as particulate matter (PM), are a mixture of small solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. When inhaled, they can pass through the throat and nose and enter the lungs, potentially causing irritation and corrosion of the alveoli walls, damaging the lungs, and increasing the risk of lung disease.

To reduce particle pollution and improve indoor air quality, it is recommended to avoid burning candles, incense, or other items in the home. Here are some detailed instructions to help you do so:

• Choose alternative sources of light during power outages: Flashlights and battery-powered lights are safer options than candles during power outages. Avoid using candles to look for items in closets or when fueling equipment, such as lanterns or heaters.
• Opt for electric or gas heaters: Instead of burning wood in a fireplace or wood stove, consider using an electric or gas heater. These alternatives produce less particle pollution and are safer for indoor use.
• Improve ventilation during cooking: Use exhaust fans that vent outdoors when cooking to reduce particle pollution and prevent the buildup of indoor air pollutants. If an exhaust fan is not available, open windows to increase ventilation and reduce the concentration of particles.
• Avoid smoking indoors: Smoking is another significant source of indoor particle pollution. Refrain from smoking inside your home, and if possible, avoid being around others who are smoking in enclosed spaces.
• Enhance overall indoor ventilation: Increase ventilation in your home by opening doors and windows for at least 15 minutes each day. This will help dilute and remove particles from indoor air, improving the overall air quality.
• Utilize air purifiers or portable air cleaners: Invest in high-efficiency air purifiers or portable air cleaners to remove particles from the air. Look for models with HEPA filters, which are designed to capture and remove a high percentage of particles, improving the air quality in your home.
• Opt for flameless alternatives: If you enjoy the fragrance of candles, consider using candle warmers or diffusers. Candle warmers gently melt the wax without the use of a flame, while diffusers disperse essential oils to add fragrance to a room without producing smoke or soot.
• Choose beeswax or soy candles: If you must use candles, opt for beeswax or soy candles instead of paraffin or scented candles. Beeswax candles, in particular, can help improve air quality by releasing negative ions that bind with toxins and aid in their removal from the air.

Don't use wood-burning stoves or fireplaces

Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces are a major source of particle pollution. Smoke from wood-burning stoves contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other dangerous substances like carbon monoxide. In cities, these mix with pollution from traffic to form a lethal combination, exacerbating the risks of asthma and heart failure.

The problem is particularly acute in London, where smoke from wood-burning stoves adds to the already high levels of vehicle pollution, creating severe pollution hotspots. The UK government's data shows that tiny particle pollution (PM2.5) produced by wood burning rose by a third from 2010 to 2020, reaching 13,900 tonnes per year. This increase is mainly attributed to the 8% of homes that use wood burners, with 95% of these having other sources of heating available.

The health impacts of wood-burning pollution are significant. Inhalation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been linked to adverse health effects, including premature death in older adults with heart or lung diseases, reduced lung growth in children, and increased risk of cardiovascular issues such as stroke, heart attacks, and congestive heart failure. The cost of wood-burning stove pollution is also substantial, with an annual health cost of approximately €750 per household in the EU and the UK, compared to €210 for a diesel car.

To reduce particle pollution and improve air quality, it is recommended to avoid the use of wood-burning stoves or fireplaces unless they are the primary heat source. Even then, it is essential to follow safe wood-burning practices and ensure proper ventilation. Electric or gas heaters are preferable alternatives as they do not produce particulate emissions.

By taking these measures and choosing cleaner alternatives, individuals and communities can significantly reduce their contribution to particle pollution and improve the overall air quality, leading to positive health outcomes for themselves and those around them.

Use electric or gas heaters instead of wood stoves or fireplaces

Wood-burning fireplaces are inefficient and produce a lot of particle pollution. In fact, in the UK, fireplaces and stoves are now the largest single source of primary particle pollution, even greater than traffic and industry.

If you're looking to reduce particle pollution, it's best to use electric or gas heaters instead of wood stoves or fireplaces. All electric heaters are 100% efficient at converting electricity to heat, so they are a much better option than a faux fireplace. However, it's important to note that if your electricity is sourced from coal, you are still burning a dirty fuel.

Gas heaters are also a better alternative to wood-burning stoves. They emit less soot and other air pollutants, although efficiency can vary between models. Gas stoves do not require EPA certification and, while they are considered to burn very cleanly, the EPA does not support their use due to indoor air quality concerns. In some jurisdictions, it is illegal to install an unvented gas stove.

If you do use a wood-burning stove or fireplace, there are ways to reduce particle pollution. Firstly, only burn "seasoned" (dry) wood, as burning wet wood produces about four times as much particle pollution as dry wood. You should also ensure your fireplace or wood stove drafts properly and have them checked annually by a professional.

Use air purifiers to reduce indoor particulate matter

Air purifiers are an effective way to reduce indoor particulate matter. They are simple machines, consisting of a fan and a filter, but they can capture virtually all airborne allergens, such as pollen and mould spores, as well as bacteria, viruses, and smoke.

When choosing an air purifier, it is important to select one with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters are the most effective at removing particulate matter from the air. They can, in theory, remove at least 99.97% of any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns, which includes dust, pollen, mould, and bacteria.

• Choose the right size purifier for the room. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) recommends that the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of your air purifier is equal to at least two-thirds of the room's area.
• Place the purifier correctly. It should be placed at least 18 inches away from walls and furniture, ideally near the midpoint of the room.
• Keep it running. It is recommended to run air purifiers 24/7 on their highest "quiet" setting, which is typically the medium setting.
• Close doors and windows when the outdoor particle level is high to prevent outdoor particulate matter from entering your home.
• Regularly clean the pre-filter. The pre-filter captures larger particles such as pet hair, and cleaning it monthly will help the HEPA filter work more effectively.
• Schedule filter replacements. Most manufacturers recommend replacing HEPA filters annually, but always check the manual.

In addition to using air purifiers, there are other ways to reduce indoor particulate matter. These include:

• Increasing ventilation by opening windows or using exhaust fans when cooking.
• Avoiding activities that produce particulate matter, such as burning candles or incense, smoking, and using unvented fuel-burning stoves or fireplaces.
• Using alternatives to open burning, such as composting and grasscycling, to dispose of yard trimmings and garden scraps.
• Reducing vehicle emissions by driving less, using alternative work schedules, telecommuting, and maintaining your vehicle.

Walk, cycle, or use public transport instead of driving

Walking, cycling, or using public transport instead of driving is one of the most impactful things you can do to reduce your environmental impact in terms of CO2 emissions and ecological footprint. It is also a great way to improve your health, fitness, and overall well-being.

When we drive cars, especially those fuelled by fossil fuels, we generate CO2 and other greenhouse gases, as well as air pollutants such as NOx, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter (PM), which can have severe impacts on human health. The combustion of gasoline and diesel fuel in motor vehicles contributes to the majority of particle pollutants in the air, especially in urban areas. By walking, cycling, or using public transport, we can significantly reduce these emissions and improve air quality.

Walking or cycling for shorter journeys can help us avoid the negative impacts of driving and improve our health and fitness. It can also save us time, as we can get our daily exercise while commuting, and save money on gym fees. In traffic-congested areas, cycling is often quicker than driving and allows us to explore our neighbourhoods at a slower pace.

Public transport is another great alternative to driving, especially for travelling within and between cities and larger towns. It is often faster and more cost-effective than driving, especially when considering the fuel and maintenance costs of cars. By using public transport, we support its development as a low-carbon transport option and encourage authorities to invest in improving these services.

Reducing our driving and opting for more sustainable alternatives can lead to numerous benefits. We can lower our environmental impact, improve our health, save money, and contribute to the development of better public transport systems. Additionally, we can reduce noise pollution, allowing us to enjoy the sounds of wildlife and giving wildlife a chance to flourish.

Some simple tips to incorporate walking, cycling, or public transport into your routine include:

• Walking for journeys of 1 mile (1.6 km) or less
• Cycling for journeys below 5 miles (8 km)
• Using public transport for longer journeys or when walking or cycling is not feasible
• Combining multiple purposes in a single trip, such as commuting and shopping, to reduce unnecessary trips
• Choosing to work from home when possible to avoid commuting altogether

Frequently asked questions