Woodfire heaters must be phased out, says Asthma Australia

Asthma Australia CEO Kate Miranda said governments must act on the significant health consequences of woodfire heater smoke, which releases harmful pollutants into the air.

“Woodfire smoke remains a significant and preventable trigger for asthma and respiratory conditions,” Ms Miranda said.

“This is not an unavoidable seasonal issue. It is a preventable health risk.”

Her concerns back up findings of a study published in the Medical Journal of Australia in 2024 about wood heater smoke and mortality in the ACT. It found the annual number of deaths from wood heater pollution was similar to that attributed to the extreme smoke of the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires.

That study recommended that the number of wood heaters be reduced by banning new installations and phasing out existing units in urban and suburban areas.

Ms Miranda said there is no safe level of exposure for the fine particulate matter in woodfire heater smoke — known as PM2.5 — and that its effects are far-reaching.

“Because these particles are tiny, they easily travel deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream, where they can affect the whole body,” she said.

“For people with asthma and other respiratory conditions, woodfire smoke can mean more frequent symptoms, worsening flare-ups, and in some cases hospitalisation.”

“We want people to understand that woodfire smoke doesn’t just affect the household using it — it impacts neighbours and entire communities.”

She said greater community awareness of the health risks is crucial to help households transition to cleaner heating alternatives, despite the increased cost. Asthma Australia’s Asthma Triggers page provides advice on developing an Asthma Action Plan, and suggests tools to monitor air quality.

A national approach rather than fragmented state and territory programs would also help people move to alternative heating methods.

"Many Australians are doing it tough right now, and switching to alternative heating isn’t always easy or affordable,” she said.

“The Wood Heater Removal Program in the ACT and the draft Launceston Domestic Woodfire Smoke Plan, for example, provide practical and financial assistance, give households time to adapt and help people understand the impact of woodfire smoke in their communities.”

“But governments can do more. We need a nationally coordinated approach so all Australians, regardless of where they live, are supported to transition to cleaner heating options. A national plan would give certainty, consistency and fairness, and most importantly, it would help protect the health of communities across Australia.

“Everyone deserves to breathe clean air, and no one’s health should suffer because of preventable air pollution.”