We're launching a campaign to raise awareness of the harm being caused by people using wood burners and open fires.
Called the Cosy Killer, the campaign is about letting people know the harmful impact that smoke particles from domestic burning are having on everybody’s health, including those inside the home.
The campaign is a clear message that burning solid fuels is harmful to us all, and a contributing factor to 1 in 20 deaths in people over the age of 30 in Brighton & Hove.
Solid fuel burning is a significant source of fine particulate pollution, known as PM2.5.
PM2.5 are fine particles (more than 20 times thinner than a human hair) that can reach the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
It marks the next step in a new approach to improve air quality and tackle the burning of solid fuels in Brighton & Hove.
Last month, we launched the Brighton & Hove and Sussex Real-Time Air Quality Portal which allows residents to see real-time air quality readings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across the city.
Councillor Tim Rowkins, Cabinet member for Net Zero and Environmental Services, said: “This campaign is designed to highlight the dangers of using wood burners and open fires. I strongly believe most people who burn at home simply aren’t aware of the harm they’re doing.
“The smoke particles they produce have very damaging impacts on the health of people both inside and outside the home – especially those with chronic lung conditions like asthma.
“We know for some people, a wood burner is essential for them to be able to heat, but for the vast majority, it’s more of a luxury.
“We’re taking a new approach to burning solid fuels in the city this year, including greater enforcement in our Smoke Control Areas. It’s important we make sure our residents are aware of the health risks and impacts.”
Read more about burning solid fuels in Brighton & Hove
