Asthma Australia is encouraging people across the country to make the switch away from wood heaters to help clean up our winter air.
New data analysis reveals that most people who report regularly using a wood heater may not need to burn it as they also report using other forms of heating regularly.
Smoke pollution from domestic wood heaters is one of the largest sources of air pollution during winter months in many areas. It is directly linked to increased asthma symptoms, hospitalisations and premature deaths.
A new analysis from Asthma Australia’s Homes, Health and Asthma survey has found that, among people who use heating regularly during winter months, 32 per cent use more than one type of heating. Among people who regularly use a wood heater, 71 per cent also regularly use another type of heating, with 50 per cent regularly using an efficient form of heating such as reverse cycle or central air conditioning.
Community advocates across Australia are passionately highlighting the dangers of wood heaters and campaigning for cleaner winter air.
One way people can be proactive and find out how the air quality is tracking in their own area is the new AirSmart App which everyone can download for free.
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