John

Many of us have a romantic attachment to wood fires and love the warmth and comfort they bring on a cold Winters night. We grew up in households where wood fires drew families and friends together. While we were transfixed by glowing embers and flames, we remained largely oblivious to the harmful effects that the toxic smoke billowing from our chimneys had on our neighbours and communities. This isn’t surprising. There were few, if any, public health warnings issued about the impact of wood smoke on human health. Despite all the evidence available on wood smoke toxicity today, the problem remains common in our cities and towns.

While communities are more aware of the harmful health impacts of wood smoke, change remains too slow. The overwhelming evidence on the harmful effects of wood smoke warrants having a debate about phasing wood fires out.

Our household has decided to act now and decommission our wood fireplace.