Health risks of solid fuel burning

Find information about cleaner home heating, the risks of solid fuel burning and what a smoke control area is.

Burning solid fuels 

Air pollution (a mixture of gases and particles) is the biggest environmental risk to public health. It has a strong influence on 170 early deaths that occur each year in Brighton & Hove. To varying degrees fumes and pollution affect everybody's wellbeing.

Using a wood burner or open fire at home creates tiny particles which can damage the lungs and other organs.

Particle pollution contributes to
1 in 20 deaths of people over the age of 30
UK Health Security Agency Report 2023

Read the UK Health Security Agency Report.

There were
40 days
last winter when particle pollution in the city exceeded recommended healthy levels according to City sensor data November 2024 to April 2025
Last winter particle pollution in Brighton & Hove was
91% higher
compared with the summer

Particle pollution in different roads across Brighton & Hove

Monitoring Particulate Matter PM2.5, in outdoor public spaces all units: µg/m3 (concentration expressed as micrograms per cubic meter)

Averages based on daily results and data capture percentages.

Preston Park

Eastern Road

Bear Road

Lewes Road

Particle pollution near primary schools

Harmful particle pollution near 4 city primary schools was
78% higher
last winter compared with the summer

Monitoring Particulate Matter PM2.5 , in outdoor public spaces all units: µg/m3 (concentration expressed as micrograms per cubic meter)

Averages based on daily results and data capture percentages 

Middle Street Primary School

Elm Grove Primary School

Aldrington Primary School

Saltdean Primary School

More information

Go to the following websites to find more information: