Neighbours’ woodburner

[FlySwimmer]

Our neighbours had their woodburner going last night. We live in an estate, and we’re not even the closest house, yet last night our bedroom was full of smoke from only a small window open a crack. I could feel my eyes stinging, and this morning my throat is crackly. I don’t think I can stand this for a full autumn/winter! How would you approach it with the neighbours, ideally to reduce how often they use it, and to make sure they’re only using the approved fuel (maybe they are, but maybe they aren’t). Has anyone had any success in submitting a nuisance complaint to the council?

We have an open fire with proper chimneys (old cottage), and rarely can I see smoke or smell it when the fire is lit during the winter months.
They're probably not using kiln dried logs or smokeless coal, which I think is the law now?

presumably some people still have old supplies of other types of coal. Coal has a distinctive smell

You're a charmer 😣

This issue is only going to grow. There’s now plenty of scientific evidence unfiltered particulate pollution caused by these burners are highly toxic and detrimental to our health. With more and more being installed they’re already producing 3 times the amount of particulate pollution than ALL the vehicles on our roads.

www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/feb/16/home-wood-burning-biggest-cause-particle-pollution-fires

www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/wood-stoves-produce-three-times-more-pm25-pollution-than-traffic/ar-BB1dJwTe
woodsmokepollution.org/index.html

if your neighbours are making your lives a misery with their burners then write your MP.

Fracking is also dangerous, too

There are whole villages that rely on fireplaces and wood burners, and have done for generations because they aren't on a gas main so I think people have difficulty believing the risk.

I grew up in a house with log fires. We used seasoned timber, always had three or four years worth drying in the the shed and were never aware of a smell from the fireplaces. Log burners are much more efficient than open fires, any fumes are enclosed and because less heat escapes up the chimney.

Just stepped outside & it reeks of woodsmoke I had the salt air purifier going in the bedroom today so thankfully it’s not too bad in there. Just don’t think I can cope with a whole winter of this.

@pattihews we incorrectly used non smokeless coal on our multi fuel stove, hadn't realised how awful it would be.

Maybe you should complain to your MP about the price of gas and electric
I am burning dried horse shit on my fire for warmth this winter
I am lucky that I don’t have to rely on gas and electricity OP, I suspect you do.

Bitter, that’s a word
Life choices
If you make your bed, make sure you want to lie on it before you get in

Don’t be so dramatic. Of course you can, and you’re gonna have to unless you move.

There are regulations about flue heights and distances here.

If their flue doesn’t comply, raise the issue with them.

Hmm. Salt purifiers may not be recommended for people living with asthma.

👍👍👍

You have my sympathy. The filthy wood burners should be banned.

@BillyLighthouse

Did you deliberately revive a thread over a year old, about wood burners, in June!?

OLD THREAD

I have a daughter with asthma which is aggravated by the particulants found in wood smoke. What would you suggest I get a grip of? Her nebuliser?