Overview

• Researchers analysed 11,000 participants using linked English Longitudinal Study of Ageing data with property energy certificates and census records.
• In repeated tests over eight years for more than 1,700 people, solid-fuel users showed steeper FEV1 declines, including 0.12L versus 0.07L in those aged 70–79.
• Self-reported household wood-fuel use in the study population rose from 10% in 2004/05 to 18% in 2021/22.
• Experts note domestic wood burning is a major UK source of PM2.5, the fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs.
• The UCL team plans area-level analyses on respiratory prescriptions and hospital visits as charities press for stronger regulation of domestic wood burning.