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<p>Defra assesses air quality in the UK through a combination of monitoring and modelling,
as well as through the development and upkeep of a National Atmospheric Emissions
inventory (NAEI). The NAEI is compiled annually to report total emissions by pollutant
and source sector in a systematic way, and to facilitate compliance with our emissions
reduction targets.</p><p> </p><p>Emissions from domestic combustion using wood as
fuel have increased by 70 per cent since 2005. As recognised by the Committee on the
Medical Effects of Air Pollutants, particulate matter is particularly harmful for
health and the environment. The most recently published data from the NAEI shows that
domestic combustion using wood as fuel accounted for 36 per cent of primary emissions
of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in 2017. We will publish the next annual update
of the NAEI, with data for 2018, in the coming weeks.</p><p> </p><p>Wood burning stoves
and coal fires are now the single largest contributor to our national emissions of
particulate matter. We are already taking steps to tackle emissions from domestic
burning. The Environment Bill currently before Parliament contains measures to reduce
emissions from domestic solid fuel burning, the single largest contributor of fine
particulate matter emissions. It will create a simpler mechanism for local authorities
seeking to reduce smoke emissions within their areas.</p><p> </p><p>Additionally,
in line with the Clean Air Strategy, Defra has consulted on the cleaner domestic burning
of solid fuels and wood. We expect to publish the Government response to this consultation
in the near future.</p>
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