In the city of Utrecht (Netherlands), these traditions may well have come to an end, in favor of health over the heating of yesteryear.
The action plan of the Ministry of Ecological Transition
According to an action plan issued by the Ministry of Ecological Transition, the combustion of wood releases various pollutants into the air (carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, etc.), in particular a significant quantity of fine particles harmful to human health.
“The finer the particles, the deeper they penetrate into the body”. They can in particular cause cancer, respiratory and heart diseases, even if the concentration rate of fine particles is very low.
According to the action plan, this pollution emanating from the combustion of wood, more significant in very cold weather, comes in particular from “domestic wood heating”, “leading contributor to this pollution”. In particular, he cites old and inefficient appliances, such as open fireplaces.which are responsible for 21% of total emissions from wood heating”.
Utrecht plans to ban wood stoves
The threat is such that Utrecht, a city located in the center of the Netherlands, even wants to become the very first municipality in the Netherlands (and in the world) to ban “open fires and wood stoves” by 2030.
photo credit: JaySi – Shutterstock Utrecht
An action plan initiated by the deputy mayor, which will begin on January 1, starting by banning smoke ducts in new housing. The proposal has not yet been accepted by the city council.
WHO recommendations for fine particles
Exceptional reasons, exceptional measures. These combustions are in fact responsible for around a quarter of Dutch emissions of fine particles, according to From Volkskranta Dutch daily newspaper published in Amsterdam. According to the media, a majority of people are against these measures, according to an opinion survey.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the annual average concentration of PM2.5 should not exceed the maximum safety level of 5 μg/m3. This recommendation is taken from its global air quality guidelines, updated in 2021.
Source: Courrier International
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
