The Asthma Foundation of NSW is urging Standards Australia to change the standard emission allowance for wood heaters.

As it is now the coldest part of winter, it is likely that a number of households are using wood heaters to warm their homes. However, wood heaters are a major contributor to air pollution across the country and the smoke emitted contains a number of noxious gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.

For homeowners, this can lead to heart problems, respiratory diseases and lung cancer.

The foundation believes the current legal limit of four grams of particulate matter per kilogram burned should be lowered to New Zealand’s rate of 1.5g per kg, as a minimum.

There are an estimated 83,000 wood heaters across Sydney that account for close to three-quarters (73 per cent) of air pollution during the winter. In total, there are 360,000 wood heaters in NSW.

However, in regional and rural areas of the state, air pollution can be as high as 80 to 90 per cent.

According to a recent report from the state’s environmental protection agency, wood heaters are estimated to contribute $8 billion to the NSW health budget over the next two decades.

Standards Australia is currently reviewing the situation and is expected to make a decision on lowering the emission rate later in 2014. If the foundation’s recommendations are taken up, it would be the first legislative amendments in more than 20 years.

Until then, homeowners are urged to get their wood heaters checked by professionals. It can then be analysed to determine whether it is a risk to you and your families’ health.

Gas detectors for industry professionals

To determine whether a wood heater is emitting dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, industry professionals will need the right equipment.

For example, the testo 310 Flue Gas Analyser Set1 is perfect for all basic measurements on heating systems. For sustained testing over time, the carbon monoxide sensor is fitted with magnets to attach to the burner.

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