If you’ve read the headlines lately, you might have seen claims that wood burning stoves “damage lungs like cigarette smoke.” Sounds alarming, right? But here’s the thing: those headlines are deeply misleading and don’t tell the full story.

At The Log People, we believe in debunking unhelpful log burning myths by sharing evidence based facts, not fuelling fear. So let’s break down what’s really going on – and why choosing the right stove, the right logs, and the right habits makes all the difference to your health and to the environment.

What the log burner research really says:

The headlines were based on a UCL study presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress. But here’s the important context:

And crucially, the study did not prove causation. So with that in mind…

💡 Cigarettes & Log Burners cannot be directly compared

Comparing a cigarette to a stove is misleading.
Cigarettes deliver concentrated toxins straight into your lungs, many times a day.

A modern Ecodesign stove, fuelled with Ready to Burn certified kiln dried logs (≤20% moisture), is a sealed appliance that vents emissions outdoors — producing minimal indoor emissions for a much cleaner, safer burn.

What the log burning science shows:

1) Ecodesign stoves

Not all wood-burning appliances are the same. Older stoves and open fires release far more smoke and particulates than modern models. That’s why the Ecodesign standard was introduced — a strict set of requirements on efficiency and emissions that all new stoves sold in the UK must meet since January 2022. Independent testing shows that an Ecodesign stove can emit up to 90% fewer particulates than an open fire and around 80% less than a stove that’s over a decade old. In short, upgrading your appliance makes an enormous difference to both air quality and efficiency.

2) Manchester University Log Burner Study (2022)

Concerns about indoor air quality are valid, but it’s important to look at the evidence. A comprehensive 2022 review led by Dr Amanda Lea-Langton at Manchester University found no scientific evidence of adverse health effects from the levels of indoor air pollution typically associated with modern enclosed wood burning stoves. Interestingly, the review also pointed out that everyday activities like cooking with a gas hob or frying food can release more particulates into the air than a properly operated Ecodesign stove. This reinforces the importance of considering context — and not grouping all “solid fuel use” together as though it were the same.

3) Wood Burning Regulations

Wood burning stoves are not the “wild west” of heating as some headlines suggest. In fact, they are among the most tightly regulated appliances in the home heating sector. Since January 2022, all new stoves sold in the UK must comply with the Ecodesign regulations, ensuring they meet strict limits on efficiency and emissions. Consumers can also look for the clearSkies certification mark, which independently verifies that a stove meets or even exceeds these requirements. And in Smoke Control Areas, only Defra-exempt appliances can legally be used with wood fuel, offering households extra assurance that today’s stoves are held to high standards.

4) Burn the right wood

We have a saying here at The Log People. A stove is only as good as the wood you fuel it with. After all, even the cleanest stove can only perform well if it’s paired with the right fuel. That’s why the UK Government introduced the Ready To Burn scheme in 2021, making it illegal to sell wet wood in small quantities. Wet or unseasoned logs produce excessive smoke, waste fuel, and contribute to dangerous particulate emissions. In contrast, Ready To Burn certified kiln dried logs contain 20% moisture or less, which means they burn hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently. By producing more heat from less fuel, they not only save you money but also reduce your carbon footprint — especially if you source from a local firewood supplier.

How to burn wood indoors responsibly

1) Only burn Ready to Burn certified kiln dried logs

Wet or unseasoned wood is smoky, inefficient, and polluting. That’s why the UK Government banned it being sold in small quantities in 2021. Ready to Burn certified kiln dried logs have a moisture content of 20% or less. This means you get a hotter, cleaner fire with fewer harmful emissions, less creosote build up in your chimney, and better value for money — because you get more heat by using less fuel.

2) Install a modern Ecodesign wood burning stove

Not all stoves are created equal. A modern Ecodesign stove (the only type now legally sold in the UK) is independently tested to meet strict standards on efficiency and emissions. Compared to an open fire, an Ecodesign stove can reduce particle emissions by up to 90%, and by around 80% compared to a 10-year-old stove. Look out for the clearSkies certification mark for extra assurance that your stove meets or even exceeds these standards.

3) Get your stove installed and serviced by a HETAS or OFTEC-registered installer

Professional installation is vital for both safety and efficiency. HETAS and OFTEC-registered installers are trained to fit stoves and flues to the highest standards, ensuring your appliance works as it should and complies with the latest regulations. Regular servicing not only helps to ensure low emissions but also extends the life of your stove.

4) Sweep chimneys and flues at least once a year

Chimney sweeping is more than just tradition — it’s essential maintenance. A qualified chimney sweep removes soot and creosote build-up that can restrict airflow, increase smoke, and even cause chimney fires. The Stove Industry Association and HETAS recommends annual sweeping as a minimum, though more frequent sweeping may be needed if you use your stove heavily.

5) Have a carbon monoxide alarm and an indoor air quality monitor

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odourless gas that can be deadly. Every home with a stove should have a CE-approved CO alarm fitted in the same room — and tested regularly. For extra peace of mind, an indoor air quality monitor can track PM2.5 levels, humidity, and VOCs, helping you spot potential issues early and ensure your home stays safe.

6) Always follow manufacturer guidance for stove refuelling and operation

Each stove is designed differently. Following the manufacturer’s instructions on refuelling, air controls, and operation ensures your appliance burns efficiently and safely. Overfilling or under-fuelling a stove can increase emissions and waste fuel. Good stove habits, paired with kiln-dried logs, make all the difference to how cleanly your fire burns.

Log burners are NOT the new cigarettes

The formula for cleaner, healthier log burning:

✅ A modern Ecodesign stove – designed to cut emissions by up to 90% compared to an open fire.
✅ Ready to Burn kiln dried logs – certified, ≤20% moisture, hotter and cleaner with less smoke.
✅ Responsible burning and maintenance habits – proper installation, annual sweeping, and good habits.

…you can enjoy the warmth of a real log fire with confidence.

Here at The Log People, our logs cost less and care more. Every log we supply is Ready to Burn certified, kiln dried, and locally and sustainably sourced — giving you more heat from less fuel, with lower emissions and a smaller carbon footprint. Our mission is simple: to help households burn better, safer, and cleaner.

So no, wood burners are NOT the new cigarettes. That’s a myth best left in the ash pile!

👉 Order your Ready to Burn kiln dried logs today — and burn responsibly with us!