Wood Burning in Homes Drives Dangerous Air Pollution in Winter, Study Finds

The Cozy Winter Habit Fueling Dangerous Air Pollution

That cozy winter fire could be doing far more harm than good—wood smoke is a hidden killer in America’s winter air. Adding another log to a glowing fireplace on a cold winter evening often feels comforting and harmless. But new research from Northwestern University shows that burning wood inside homes plays a much larger role [...]

Wood burning in homes drives dangerous air pollution in winter, study finds

Throwing another log into a crackling fireplace on a cold winter's night might seem like a cozy, harmless tradition. But Northwestern University scientists have found residential wood burning is a major—yet often overlooked—contributor to winter air pollution across the United States.

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Wood burning in homes drives dangerous air pollution in winter

Only 2% of U.S. homes rely on wood as their primary heating source, but residential wood burning accounts for 22% of fine particulate matter in winter air.