Woodsmoke is a major health

problem because …Markham St, Armidale, 27 May 2011

•• ProfitProfit--driven industrydriven industry

•• Uninformed unsuspecting Uninformed unsuspecting

populationpopulation

•• Ineffective, overlyIneffective, overly--bureaucratic bureaucratic

regulatory systemregulatory system

Example: Profit-driven industry:Industry reps (AHHA) distort evidence : “On completion of the change out program, Libby Montana has improved its air quality by more than 80%”Actual reduction after spending over $2.5 million replacing 1130 stoves in a town of 2600 residents = 28% (Graph below from: http://www.bc.lung.ca/documents/Biomass-BCLAWebinar.pdf )

�� Standards Australia Meeting, 2007. Recommended 15 votes to 4 toStandards Australia Meeting, 2007. Recommended 15 votes to 4 to

halve emissions limit (as a temporary measure while developing ahalve emissions limit (as a temporary measure while developing a

new emissions test) and put health warnings on new heaters to new emissions test) and put health warnings on new heaters to

advise owners about the health problems of breathing woodsmokeadvise owners about the health problems of breathing woodsmoke

�� Even though NZ had introduced an even stricter limit in 2005, thEven though NZ had introduced an even stricter limit in 2005, the e

change was vetoed by the Australian wood heating industrychange was vetoed by the Australian wood heating industry

�� Standards Australia did not withdraw the standard, nor did Standards Australia did not withdraw the standard, nor did

governments.governments.

�� Buyers misled into believing that new wood heaters conform to Buyers misled into believing that new wood heaters conform to ““Strict Strict

Australian StandardsAustralian Standards””!!

�� Car driving 20,000 km per year Car driving 20,000 km per year –– PM2.5 emissions 0.02 kg (petrol) or PM2.5 emissions 0.02 kg (petrol) or

0.1 kg (diesel) per year. Brand new Australian wood heater 20 k0.1 kg (diesel) per year. Brand new Australian wood heater 20 kg g

(Sydney) or 40 kg ((Sydney) or 40 kg (MelbMelb) as much as 200 to 400 diesel SUV or 1,000 ) as much as 200 to 400 diesel SUV or 1,000

to 2,000 petrol cars!to 2,000 petrol cars!

�� Annual health costs (NEPMAnnual health costs (NEPM--estest = $263/kg) $5,260= $263/kg) $5,260--$10,520/heater/yr $10,520/heater/yr

Profit-driven industry blocked attempts to reduce pollution

Woodsmoke may be worse than car exhausts "In the limited amount of studies that have been done so far that have directly compared smoke from fires with the same level of particulates and smoke from car exhaust, industry have all tended to show that the effects from the wood smoke are actually worse for lung conditions than a similar amount from, say, car exhausts.“ (ABC News, Thu Apr 24, 2008)

Not just PM2.5 “Woodsmoke caused more DNA damage in human cell lines than traffic-generated particulate matter per unit mass, possibly due to the high level of polycyclic aromatic

hydrocarbons in wood smoke” ((Reference: Reference: MutMut. Res.. Res.--Genetic Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis 674: 116Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis 674: 116--122122.).)

Tandem health & Climate BenefitsUN Environment Program & World Meterological Association recommended phasing out log-burning heaters in developed countries to reduce global warming (CH4 & BC Emissions) as well as improve health

�� Carbon dating Carbon dating –– 67% (Sydney CBD) to 100% (Perth residential areas) 67% (Sydney CBD) to 100% (Perth residential areas)

of particles have modern carbon of particles have modern carbon –– i.e. wood, not coal, oil or diesel!i.e. wood, not coal, oil or diesel!

�� Hunter valley & Liverpool, Sydney Hunter valley & Liverpool, Sydney –– chemical fingerprinting chemical fingerprinting –– large large

proportion of PM2.5 is woodsmokeproportion of PM2.5 is woodsmoke

�� How pollution varies with seasonHow pollution varies with season

Profit-driven industry claims don’t know sources of urban PM2.5!

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Armidale MuswellbrookDaily Average PM2.5 Measurements

No Armidale data from

end June - Council

unable to maintain

equipment!

NSW EPA Emissions InventoryNSW EPA Emissions InventoryMost other sources same throughout the year Most other sources same throughout the year –– wintertime woodsmoke (purple wintertime woodsmoke (purple

line) dwarfs all other sources of PM2.5 emissions. Inventory forline) dwarfs all other sources of PM2.5 emissions. Inventory for 2008, pub. 20122008, pub. 2012

Monash, ACT: daily PM2.5 levels Monash, ACT: daily PM2.5 levels -- 2.3% of 2.3% of

ACT households use wood as main heatingACT households use wood as main heating

AHHA says they can’t see the increase in particle pollution in winter!

Even health professionals may Even health professionals may

be unsuspecting be unsuspecting ……Armidale health professional:Armidale health professional: From two years of age my daughter

suffered respiratory illness every year. It started in early May each year approximately two weeks after wood fires were lit, and continued until the end of winter when the fires stopped. This occurred until my daughter was 12 years old, when we moved to a house above the smoke line.

Since then she has not suffered from the same respiratory illness. It just stopped! We did not have to go to the doctor or buy any more medication. During the same time my son suffered from a persistant cough during winters, this also stopped when we moved house.

Our previous house was heated by a wood fire our new house is not. Otherwise nothing changed We have always had a good diet and our children participated in several sports. The only thing that changed was our moving out of a house that had a wood heater in an area that was in a heavy smoke zone into a non wood heated house out of the smoke zone.

Our decision to move house was not driven to get out of the smoke, but we were surprised in the dramatic change in our children’s health when we did.

Many scientific studies (Armidale, Launceston, Christchurch, Seattle, Utah) link woodsmoke to respiratory & heart diseases, cancer, middle ear infections and (children in developing countries) reduced IQ, memory & social skills.

�� Example 1Example 1: Sydney, near coast: : Sydney, near coast: ““Our next door neighbour installed a Our next door neighbour installed a

new and approved wood burning heater in 2010. The smoke from thinew and approved wood burning heater in 2010. The smoke from this s

flue immediately entered most rooms of our old, renovated house.flue immediately entered most rooms of our old, renovated house.

My wifeMy wife’’s asthma was triggered by the smoke and last winter she s asthma was triggered by the smoke and last winter she

developed bronchitis and needed multiple treatments with antibiodeveloped bronchitis and needed multiple treatments with antibiotics.tics.””

�� Example 2:Example 2: Sydney, near coast: Sydney, near coast: ““After exhaustive attempts to try to After exhaustive attempts to try to

remedy the situation and upon advice from GPremedy the situation and upon advice from GP’’s and specialist s and specialist

medical practitioners I was finally forced to sell my home and mmedical practitioners I was finally forced to sell my home and move.ove.””

�� Health messages drowned out by WH Industry propagandaHealth messages drowned out by WH Industry propaganda

e.g. NSW Chief Medical Officer Kerry Chant that thee.g. NSW Chief Medical Officer Kerry Chant that the heaters are heaters are so so detrimental to the health she supported banning and phasing themdetrimental to the health she supported banning and phasing themout in builtout in built--up urban areasup urban areas

�� ‘‘CatchCatch--2222’’ –– public believe that governments would regulate if public believe that governments would regulate if

woodsmoke was really harmful woodsmoke was really harmful –– governments dongovernments don’’t regulate because t regulate because

of lack of apparent public supportof lack of apparent public support

Devastating effects on health become obvious Devastating effects on health become obvious

if have clean air until neighbour installs woodif have clean air until neighbour installs wood--

heaterheater

NSW Asthma Foundation•• Recommend an Recommend an independent bodyindependent body to set healthto set health--based based

standard for wood heatersstandard for wood heaters

•• Removal of existing heaters that donRemoval of existing heaters that don’’t meet the healtht meet the health--based standard when houses are offered for sale.based standard when houses are offered for sale.

•• Temporary restrictions on the installation of new heaters Temporary restrictions on the installation of new heaters until they meet the healthuntil they meet the health--based standardbased standard

•• Licensing fees to cover the cost of wood smokeLicensing fees to cover the cost of wood smoke--reduction reduction programs with assistance for people whose health or programs with assistance for people whose health or

lifestyle has been affected by wood smoke.lifestyle has been affected by wood smoke.

•• NSW EPA Consultancy report NSW EPA Consultancy report –– Estimated Woodsmoke Estimated Woodsmoke Health Costs Health Costs $8 billion in NSW$8 billion in NSW (over 20 years, Aus (over 20 years, Aus $20 to $24 billion)$20 to $24 billion)

•• Above measures predicted to save $6Above measures predicted to save $6--7 billion for cost of 7 billion for cost of

$0.1 billion $0.1 billion

•• Problem (and pollution) getting worseProblem (and pollution) getting worse -- Sydney:Sydney:

2008: 71,000 wood2008: 71,000 wood--heaters; 2011: 83,000 woodheaters; 2011: 83,000 wood--heaters heaters

••

Low Hanging FruitPM2.5 cause about 10 times as many other premature deaths PM2.5 cause about 10 times as many other premature deaths

as ozone, the next worst pollutant (European data)as ozone, the next worst pollutant (European data)

NPI data on PM2.5 emissionsNPI data on PM2.5 emissions

Power generation Power generation –– 10,000 tonnes/year10,000 tonnes/year

Coal mining Coal mining –– 7,500 tonnes/year7,500 tonnes/year

WoodheaterWoodheater Consultation Regulation Impact StatementConsultation Regulation Impact Statement

Domestic Domestic woodheaterswoodheaters –– 40,000 tonnes/year40,000 tonnes/year

NEPM Reporting NEPM Reporting –– more that 1 jurisdiction says they will more that 1 jurisdiction says they will struggle to meet advisory PM2.5 standard.struggle to meet advisory PM2.5 standard.

Political reasons for COAG delays in implementing PM2.5 Political reasons for COAG delays in implementing PM2.5 standard?standard?

Picking the lowPicking the low--hanging fruit could save hanging fruit could save $18 bill health$18 bill healthcostscosts & remove a significant barrier to a decent PM2.5 std. & remove a significant barrier to a decent PM2.5 std.

••

8 ug/m3 advisory PM2.5 standard due to 8 ug/m3 advisory PM2.5 standard due to

community pressurecommunity pressure

• NEPC report: “Submissions from community members overall favoured the use of risk assessment, indicating a preference for the use of USEPA dose-response relationships for both long term and short term mortality”

• 24 individual & community group submissions (out of 52) - 12 were personal contacts whom I’d encouraged to take part

• “As a consequence of the strong view in the submissions that a long term standard should be considered … The Project Team will be giving consideration to the development of an annual average standard in addition to a short term 24 hour standard.”

A new heater rated < 2.5 g/kg (this A new heater rated < 2.5 g/kg (this

level of smoke observed for ~ 1 hr)level of smoke observed for ~ 1 hr)

Only solution for neighbours = move out of town! (NSW POEO doesn’t work)

Another new heater rated < 2.5 g/kg (installed Another new heater rated < 2.5 g/kg (installed

in Armidale with council permission in Aug 2014 in Armidale with council permission in Aug 2014

-- this level of smoke continued for over 10 hrs)this level of smoke continued for over 10 hrs)

Only solution for neighbours = move out of town! (POEO legislation doesn’t work)

Australian Air Quality Group:Australian Air Quality Group:

woodsmoke.3sc.netwoodsmoke.3sc.net

aaqg.3sc.net aaqg.3sc.net

Further information, provided in the Further information, provided in the

following additional slides was not shown following additional slides was not shown

at the Air Quality Summit for brevityat the Air Quality Summit for brevity..(adapted from an earlier talk, available at: (adapted from an earlier talk, available at:

http://www.casanz.org.au/branches/NSWACT%20Documents/Wood%20Smokhttp://www.casanz.org.au/branches/NSWACT%20Documents/Wood%20Smoke%20Transcripts/e%20Transcripts/

Robinson_OEH_Wood_Smoke_Workshop_Sept_2012.pdfRobinson_OEH_Wood_Smoke_Workshop_Sept_2012.pdf ))

Most widely used particle monitor (TEOM) under-estimates woodsmoke!

Top line = PM2.5 from approved monitor, bottom line = TEOMTop line = PM2.5 from approved monitor, bottom line = TEOM

Rolling 24Rolling 24--hour PM2.5 averages, source: hour PM2.5 averages, source: http://seatoskyairquality.ca/transitioninghttp://seatoskyairquality.ca/transitioning--toto--newnew--airair--

qualityquality--monitoringmonitoring--equipment/equipment/

•• Death rates increase with woodsmoke levels Death rates increase with woodsmoke levels

People living in the worst areas (20 ug/mPeople living in the worst areas (20 ug/m33):):–– 16% higher total mortality 16% higher total mortality

–– 22% higher circulatory mortality22% higher circulatory mortality

–– 68% higher respiratory mortality 68% higher respiratory mortality

–– than people living in the cleanest areas than people living in the cleanest areas

•• Estimates adjusted for other factors (age, sex, tobacco Estimates adjusted for other factors (age, sex, tobacco

smoking, sociosmoking, socio--economic status & ethnicity)economic status & ethnicity)

•• death rates 8% higher (respiratory deaths 34%) for each death rates 8% higher (respiratory deaths 34%) for each

additional 10 ug/madditional 10 ug/m33 of PM10of PM10

Woodsmoke and Health -Christchurch, NZ

Reference: Fisher, G., T. Reference: Fisher, G., T. KjellstromKjellstrom, et al. (2007). Health and Air Pollution in New Zealand, Final , et al. (2007). Health and Air Pollution in New Zealand, Final Report, Report, Health Research Council of New Zealand & Ministry for the EnviroHealth Research Council of New Zealand & Ministry for the Environment & Ministry of Transport.nment & Ministry of Transport.

PM2.5 increase in winter (graph, individdata points excl. Sept 09 dust storm)

PM2.5 pollution, Liverpool, Sydney

Liverpool 1998-2009

PM

2.5

Ma

ss

(µ

g/m

3)

Month1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 101112

0

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40

50

Cohen et al. – Atmospheric Pollution Research 2 (2011) 182‐189

Cohen et al. characterised particles & identified woodsmoke as a major source - around 40% of the fine fraction in winter dropping to nearly zero in the summer. “Clearly wood heaters in the Liverpool area in winter are a major source of fine particle pollution.”

Cohen used filter-based sampling –many woodsmoke chemicals evaporate off TEOMs at 50ºC

Carbon dating, Rozelle, Sydney CBD Jul/Aug 1993 (4 pm to 8 am) – 67% modern, i.e. wood, not traffic or coal Box-plot: David Cohen, ANSTO

Sydney: 1,800 thousand vehicles,106 thousand woodheaters

Christchurch, NZ. Pollution (76% woodsmoke) varies markedly across the city

Health effects of woodsmoke pollution

•• Median PM2.5 7.3: ug/mMedian PM2.5 7.3: ug/m33 (below Aust PM2.5 advisory (below Aust PM2.5 advisory

standard). standard).

•• Increase of 3 ug/mIncrease of 3 ug/m33 PM2.5 (approximately the same amount PM2.5 (approximately the same amount

as the increase in annual PM2.5 pollution in Canberra from as the increase in annual PM2.5 pollution in Canberra from

woodsmoke) was associated with a 9% increase in deaths woodsmoke) was associated with a 9% increase in deaths

from ischemic heart disease and 3from ischemic heart disease and 3--4.5% increases in all 4.5% increases in all

deaths deaths

Reference: Crouse, D. L. et al. 2012. Risk of NonReference: Crouse, D. L. et al. 2012. Risk of Non--accidental and accidental and

Cardiovascular Mortality in Relation to LongCardiovascular Mortality in Relation to Long--term Exposure to Low term Exposure to Low

Concentrations of Fine Particulate Matter: A Canadian NationalConcentrations of Fine Particulate Matter: A Canadian National--level level

Cohort Study. Environ Health Cohort Study. Environ Health PerspectPerspect..

PM2.5 & Health (Canada –61% of Quebec’s PM2.5 from woodsmoke)

Reduce woodsmoke, improve

health:

San Joaquin Valley, California 2003Mandatory curtailment of residential wood burning when air

quality is forecast to be poor, voluntary curtailment,

restrictions on the type of fuel burned, complaint process,

prohibition of uncertified devices, limit on the density of

residential burning devices.

•Result: 25% reduction in winter PM2.5•4.8% reduction in age-standardized mortality due to ischemic heart disease;•5.4% reduction for cerebrovascular disease

Reference:journals.lww.com/epidem/Fulltext/2008/11001/The_Potential_Impact_of_Residential_Wood_Burning.707.aspx.

Reduce woodsmoke, improve health

HEPA Filters Compare periods with & without filters in the machines to

obtain unbiased estimate of removing particles from inside homes

Result: 75% reduction in woodsmoke particles33% reduction in C-reactive protein levels, endothelial (blood vessel lining) function improved by 9.4%, indicating a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease

ConclusionStudies where woodsmoke is the dominant source of particles show similar increases in mortality for equivalent increases in PM2.5, suggesting that woodsmoke PM2.5 are no less harmful than other PM2.5. Studies also show significant improvements in health from reducing woodsmoke

Reference: Allen, R.W., Carlsten, C., Karlen, B., Leckie, S., Eeden, S.v., Vedal, S., Wong, I.,Brauer, M., 2011. An Air Filter Intervention Study of Endothelial Function among Healthy Adults in a Woodsmoke-impacted Community. Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 183, 1222-1230.

High PM2.5 outside High PM2.5 outside -->>

High PM2.5 inside housesHigh PM2.5 inside houses

CSIRO research – Outdoor vs indoor PM2.5 pollution over 7 dayshttp://environment.gov.au/soe/2001/publications/theme-reports/atmosphere/atmosphere04-6a.html

�� GuatamalaGuatamala: : Children of mothers breathing woodsmoke in the third Children of mothers breathing woodsmoke in the third

trimester of pregnancy had lower performance on trimester of pregnancy had lower performance on

neurodevelopmentalneurodevelopmental tests at ages 6 and 7. Specifically, the tests at ages 6 and 7. Specifically, the

researchers found impairments in researchers found impairments in visuovisuo--spatial perception and spatial perception and

integration, visualintegration, visual--motor memory, and fine motor skills. motor memory, and fine motor skills.

�� Belize, Kenya, Nepal and American Samoa:Belize, Kenya, Nepal and American Samoa: ””Exposure to Exposure to

openopen--fire cooking, as opposed to cooking on kerosene stoves, fire cooking, as opposed to cooking on kerosene stoves,

waswas associated with both lower cognitive performance and less associated with both lower cognitive performance and less

frequent structured play, regardless of culture, child agefrequent structured play, regardless of culture, child age and and

educational level, and socioeconomic status.educational level, and socioeconomic status.””

References: References: http://ucrtoday.ucr.edu/6664http://ucrtoday.ucr.edu/6664 and http://www.enn.com/health/article/43574and http://www.enn.com/health/article/43574

Developing Countries – children whose mothers cook with woodfires (compared to kerosene stoves) have lower IQ

Developed Countries –assess chemical exposure

•• PAH study (pregnant women)PAH study (pregnant women)> 2.26 ng/m3 (considered ‘high’ exposure), associated with 5 point

reduction in child’s IQ on starting school

– Babies in ‘high’ group also 14 times more likely to have methylation of the ACSL3 5’-CGI, associated with developing asthma before age 5

�� Armidale average PAH measurements: Armidale average PAH measurements: winter 8.62 ng/m3, (max 24.0), summer PAH = 0.28

•• BaPBaP studystudy-- (pregnant women) (pregnant women) average average BaPBaP 0.5 ng/m0.5 ng/m33

41% of babies had detectable BaP adducts in umbilical cord blood, they

had 2.6 - 4 times the risk of behavioural & ADHD problems aged 6 to 7

•• Average Average BaPBaP measurements measurements Armidale winter:Armidale winter:

1.3 ng/m1.3 ng/m33, max 3.77 (summer 0.02) , max 3.77 (summer 0.02) –– much higher than much higher than

BaPBaP studystudy

References:References: http://woodsmoke.3sc.net/pahhttp://woodsmoke.3sc.net/pah

Aust National Pollutant Inventory: PAH Aust National Pollutant Inventory: PAH

emissions from 16.4 million motor vehicles,emissions from 16.4 million motor vehicles,

& 0.89 million houses with woodheating& 0.89 million houses with woodheating

Wood Wood vsvs Cigarette SmokeCigarette Smoke

•• John GrasJohn Gras’’ study (some overloaded burns, but many study (some overloaded burns, but many involved correct operation) involved correct operation) –– 820 820 ugug of of BaPBaP per kg per kg woodwood

•• Burning 10 kg wood in an Australian wood heater Burning 10 kg wood in an Australian wood heater emits more emits more BaPBaP as in the smoke from as in the smoke from aa quarter of a quarter of a million cigarettesmillion cigarettes

•• Review of Woodsmoke Health effectsReview of Woodsmoke Health effects““Organic extracts of ambient particulate matter (PM) Organic extracts of ambient particulate matter (PM) containing substantial quantities of woodsmoke containing substantial quantities of woodsmoke areare 3030-- fold more potentfold more potent than extracts of cigarette than extracts of cigarette smoke condensate in a mouse skin smoke condensate in a mouse skin tumortumor induction induction assay (assay (CupittCupitt et al., 1994)et al., 1994)””

•• Woodsmoke = Woodsmoke = ““A witchA witch’’s brew of carcinogenss brew of carcinogens””(Stone, 1995) (Stone, 1995)

�� Healthy mice were exposed for 6 hours either to Healthy mice were exposed for 6 hours either to

woodsmoke, oil furnace fumes or clean airwoodsmoke, oil furnace fumes or clean air

�� Then challenged with a respiratory bugThen challenged with a respiratory bug

�� 2 weeks later, 21% of those exposed to woodsmoke 2 weeks later, 21% of those exposed to woodsmoke

were dead, compared with 5% exposed either to were dead, compared with 5% exposed either to

clean air or oil furnace fumesclean air or oil furnace fumes

�� The article described woodsmoke as The article described woodsmoke as ““a witchesa witches’’ brew brew of carcinogensof carcinogens””

�� AcroleinAcrolein (in wood and cigarette smoke) suppresses (in wood and cigarette smoke) suppresses

the immune system. Burning 1 kg wood produces as the immune system. Burning 1 kg wood produces as

much much acroleinacrolein as in smoke of 880 cigarettesas in smoke of 880 cigarettesRefereneReferene: Stone, R. (1995). "Environmental toxicants under scrutiny at B: Stone, R. (1995). "Environmental toxicants under scrutiny at Baltimore meeting. (March 1995 altimore meeting. (March 1995

Society of Toxicology conference)." Society of Toxicology conference)." ScienceScience March 24, v267 n5205 p1770March 24, v267 n5205 p1770

Lab experiments on animals: more insight into causes

UNEP & WMO screened 2,000 measures to improve health & reduce short-term global warming

• Methane – 25 times as much warming as CO2 over 100 years, 72 times as much over 20 years

• ‘“Near-term warming is pushing natural systems closer to thresholds that may lead to a further acceleration of climate change. For example, the melting of permafrost in the Arctic is releasing additional quantities of methane into the atmosphere, which in turn contribute to additional global warming” (UNEP, 2011).

Two of the top 16 measures were phasing out log-burning heaters in developed countries & banning open burning of agricultural waste.

Effect of proposed measures

for methane & black carbon

Effect of measures to reduce

carbon dioxide No action

Projections for global temperature ºC

Copenhagen Accord:Limit global temperature rise to 2 °C

Report authors: 50 internationally recognised scientists.

Chair: Drew Shindell, co-ordinating Lead Author of the 5th

IPCC Assessment & co-leader of the "Anthropogenic and Natural Radiative Forcing" chapter.

Why the confusion?Why the confusion?•• About half of current warming now attributed to nonAbout half of current warming now attributed to non--COCO22 chemicals, e.g. chemicals, e.g.

CHCH44, O, O33, CO, black carbon etc, CO, black carbon etc

•• International agreements still require Kyoto protocol (1997) forInternational agreements still require Kyoto protocol (1997) for emissions emissions

inventories inventories –– although now out of date & doesnalthough now out of date & doesn’’t cover all these chemicals t cover all these chemicals

•• 100100--year Kyoto time horizon too long? Technological improvements sucyear Kyoto time horizon too long? Technological improvements such as h as

concentrated solar power + molten salt storage, wind, wave, biomconcentrated solar power + molten salt storage, wind, wave, biomassass--

power stations, growing algae to produce oil, will all be onpower stations, growing algae to produce oil, will all be on--stream in much stream in much

less than 100 yrsless than 100 yrs

•• Burning a tree now, instead of leaving it to decompose over the Burning a tree now, instead of leaving it to decompose over the next 40 next 40

years years --> CO> CO22, CH, CH44 & black carbon emissions now & black carbon emissions now --> increased current > increased current

warming warming --> increased CH> increased CH44 from permafrost from permafrost --> increased future warming> increased future warming

CH4, O3, BC

CO2 measures BAU

Global temperature projections

8080--90% of firewood sold in the 90% of firewood sold in the

ACT from nonACT from non--sustainable sustainable

supplies supplies

3.7 tonnes firewood per year 3.7 tonnes firewood per year --> >

7.4 tonnes CO7.4 tonnes CO22 + CH+ CH4 4 + BC+ BC

““renewablerenewable”” not the same as not the same as

““being renewedbeing renewed””

TimelinesTimelines

•• Dockery et al. (1993): Six Cities study showing big effect Dockery et al. (1993): Six Cities study showing big effect of longof long--term PM2.5 exposureterm PM2.5 exposure

•• Schwartz et al. (1996): increased daily mortality mainly Schwartz et al. (1996): increased daily mortality mainly associated with PM2.5 associated with PM2.5

•• 1996: Australian NEPM (ignored long1996: Australian NEPM (ignored long--term PM2.5 term PM2.5 exposure)exposure)

•• 2003: advisory PM2.5 standard, to be confirmed during 2003: advisory PM2.5 standard, to be confirmed during NEPM revision in 2005NEPM revision in 2005

•• 20052005--2014: continued delays and extensions to NEPM 2014: continued delays and extensions to NEPM revision processrevision process

•• 2008: CSIRO study, Launceston 2008: CSIRO study, Launceston –– ““not a large not a large distinction in emissions between compliant and distinction in emissions between compliant and nonnon--compliant woodheaterscompliant woodheaters””

•• NEPM delays have not prevented implementation of new NEPM delays have not prevented implementation of new vehicle standards, but nowhere near same vehicle standards, but nowhere near same improvements in realimprovements in real--life emissions of woodheaterslife emissions of woodheaters

NSW BASIX does NSW BASIX does notnot promote promote woodheaterswoodheaters

Matthew Wright – Beyond Zero EmissionsClimate Spectator Article

As well as having a warmer, more comfortable home, he argues this this is perhaps probably one of the best heating options to reduce global warming.

“I have gone from 3000kWh in gas down to 328kWh in electricity”http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/why-i-have-six-air-conditioners?page=1

Woodsmoke causes about 750 additional visits to Woodsmoke causes about 750 additional visits to

Armidale GPs for respiratory complaints every year. Armidale GPs for respiratory complaints every year. Reference: Khan, L., K. Parton, and H. Doran. 2007. Cost of PartReference: Khan, L., K. Parton, and H. Doran. 2007. Cost of Particulate iculate

Air Pollution in Armidale: A Clinical Event Survey EnvironmentalAir Pollution in Armidale: A Clinical Event Survey Environmental Health Health

7: 117: 11--21. 21.

People in Armidale:

From two years of age my daughter suffered respiratory illness every year. It started in early May about two weeks after wood fires were lit, and continued until the end of winter when the fires stopped .

This occurred until my daughter was twelve years old, when we moved to a house above the smoke line. Since then she has not suffered from the same respiratory illness. It just stopped! We did not have to go to the Doctor or buy any more medication .

During the same time my son suffered from a persistent cough during winters, this also stopped when we moved house. Our previous house was heated by a wood fire our new house is not. Otherwise nothing changed We have always had a good diet and our children participated in several sports.

The only thing that changed was our moving out of a house in Armidale that had a wood heater in an area that was in a heavy smoke zone into a non wood heated house out of the smoke zone. Note our decision to move house was not driven to get out of the smoke, but we were surprised in the dramatic change in our children’s health when we did.

Many people do not realise that woodsmoke is affecting their health

Armidale

Situation is getting worse: current woodsmoke measurements are about 15% higher than 1999!

No reduction in woodsmoke pollution, 2008No reduction in woodsmoke pollution, 2008--1212

New stoves donNew stoves don’’t solve the problem!t solve the problem!

Source: Woodsmoke and health, Michael Brauer, BC Lung Association Webinar, February 9, 2012

PM2.5 measurements before and after virtually all old woodstoves replaced with new, certified models (and some replaced with non-polluting heating)

Wood heater owners less aware of Wood heater owners less aware of

health effects & so experience fewer health effects & so experience fewer

problems from other peopleproblems from other people’’s smokes smoke

Same survey showed a majority of Armidale’s wood heaters are post 1999 so comply with AS4013

� Explained Health Problem: – in Quebec, 61% of PM2.5 from wood heating, compared to 22% from

industries and 14% from transportation

– Older wood heating system releases as many PM2.5 nine hours as a car does over one year (18,000 km)

– New ones as many PM.5 in about 18 hours

� Health Canada: 1,540 premature deaths from air pollution in

Montreal.

� Other health impacts specifically from PM2.5:– 6,028 cases of infantile bronchitis in Montreal per year (9,505 cases in

Quebec)

– 40,449 days of asthma symptoms in Montreal (62,707 days in Quebec)

� No new wood heaters to be installed - $6 million fund to replace existing ones with alternatives

Solutions: Montreal, Canada

Montreal, CanadaPellet heaters are allowedPellet heaters are allowed

•• 9090--95% reduction in 95% reduction in

PM2.5 by switching to PM2.5 by switching to

a pellet heater a pellet heater ––

cleaner air, better cleaner air, better

health!health!

� Total cost of woodheating – NZ$127 millionNZ$2,700 per heater per year

� No new wood heaters to be installedexcept models rated < 1.0 g/kg wood, installed as

replacements for more polluting models.

� Phase out all heaters rated > 1.0 g/kgFrom 2008 onwards, all heaters rated more than 1.0 g/kg to

be replaced after 15 years use

� Clean Heat ProgramSubsidies to replace wood heaters with insulation and non-

polluting heating. Total of 1973 wood heaters replaced

with reverse cycle systems - 1% increase in electricity usage

(families much better off than buying firewood).

Solutions: Christchurch, NZ

� Explain the health problems – heart & respiratory

diseases, effects on young, elderly & unborn children – CASANZ?

� Initiate development of a health-based standard Diesel utes/4WD = 0.1 kg per yearCould a woodheater with temperature sensor & gas booster/afterburner achieve something similar?

� Allow pellet heaters & only as replacements for more

polluting models, woodheaters rated < 1.0 g/kg firewood.

� Phase out all heaters rated > 1.0 g/kgSay, over a 7-year period

� Copy Christchurch’s Clean Heat ProgramSubsidies to replace wood heaters with insulation and non-

polluting heating. In Christchurch, 1% increase in electricity usage

for replacing wood with efficient reverse cycle – less GHG, families

much better off than buying firewood.

What about Australia?

This is the alternative if, as now,

new heaters rated up to 2.5 g/kg

continue to be installed