Study reveals the dangers of woodfire heaters

Study reveals the dangers of woodfire heaters – killing up to 63 people annually in the ACT alone.

A recent study published in the Medical Journal of Australia has found that domestic wood heaters are causing a high number of premature deaths, with up to 63 people killed each year in the ACT alone.

The report has resulted in researchers urging that wood heaters be banned in urban areas and existing wood heaters be replaced, considering the dangers.

It is reported that the ACT has already moved to ban wood heaters throughout the state. Still, researchers are calling on other states to make the same move, with an estimated 900,000 Australian homes having woodfire heaters.

Like bushfire smoke, the smoke from woodfire heaters contains tiny particles, known as particulate matter (PM), that can be harmful when inhaled. These particles can be as small as 2.5 micrometres or smaller (PM2.5) and can penetrate deep into the lungs and respiratory system. These ultra-fine particles pose a significant threat to health, particularly for asthmatics and other lung conditions.

If you currently have a woodfire heater in your home, it is imperative for the health and safety of your family to have an air purifier designed to remove smoke from indoor air. This means having an air purifier that doesn’t just rely on a HEPA filter—as it will only do half the job needed.

INOVA air purifiers have medical-grade HEPA filters and high-capacity Activated Carbon Filters. Activated carbon works like a sponge, absorbing smoke from the air. Activated carbon is so successful at removing smoke that it’s used in gas masks for firefighters and professional-grade gas respirators.

INOVA air purifiers have the largest activated carbon filters on the market, with our E8 model including 2.4kgs of activated carbon, and the E20 series contains 6kgs of activated carbon, making them Australia’s best air purifier for removing smoke from the air.

References

Branley, A. (2024) Wood heater smoke estimated to kill up to 63 in Australian city each year, prompting calls for National Ban, ABC News. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-15/wood-heater-smoke-death-study-prompts-call-for-ban/103321954.