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<p>Our most recent assessment shows that domestic solid fuel burning contributed 40%
(42 kilotonnes) of total PM<sub>2.5</sub> emissions in the UK during 2015, with domestic
wood burning alone accounting for 35% (37 kilotonnes). This compares with 39 kilotonnes
(solid fuels) and 33 kilotonnes (wood) in 2014 and 45 kilotonnes (solid fuels) and
40 kilotonnes (wood) in 2013.</p><p>Evidence shows that particulate matter (PM) of
2.5 microns in diameter (PM<sub>2.5</sub>) and smaller can have detrimental effects
on health. Small particles from smoke which are formed when wood is burned can get
into the lungs and blood and be transported around the body, where they have a variety
of detrimental health effects. It is, however, difficult to assess the increase in
risk to public health that is associated with domestic wood burning alone.</p>
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