CLEAN AIR NIGHT

Friday, 24th January 2025

“
Clean Air Night raises awareness about the negative health impacts of solid fuel burning.
The aim is to encourage everyone who can to reduce or eliminate the use of solid fuels on the evening.
Join in for a night of clean air!”

What can I do? Take a pledge for Clean Air!

Join us this Clean Air Night by taking a pledge below!

Share on social media using #cleanairnight and talk to your friends and family.

I will not burn solid fuels on Clean Air Night

If you have alternative ways of heating your home other than a stove or an open fire, use those instead. A whole neighbourhood not lighting their fires in the evening will improve the air quality for everybody.

Almost 90% of households in Ireland only use solid fuels as a secondary heating source (Central Statistics Office, 2021).

I will not burn rubbish or smoky coal

Burning rubbish, smoky coal and wet fuels gives off more harmful pollutants. Rubbish is particularly dangerous as the mixed materials in it - such as paints, ink, plastics - release all kinds of dangerous chemicals into your living space and the space of others.

Avoiding burning these materials has a noticeable positive impact on our health. A recent study has found that the ban on burning smoky coal has led to reductions in chronic lung disease.

I will light my stove or fireplace later in the evening

If you need or want to use the stove or fireplace, see if you can light it a little later - every little helps.

I will learn more about how air quality affects my health

Air pollution affects all of us every day to some degree; if exposure is too great it can lead to strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and acute and chronic respiratory diseases (WHO, 2023).

Those among us who are young, elderly or have pre-existing conditions such as asthma are especially vulnerable to air pollution.

I will check the air quality in my area

So what’s the air quality like where you live?

Check the Cork City Air Quality Dashboard. Pollution spikes in the evenings are usually related to solid fuel burning during winter months.

I will talk about air quality with my friends and family

Air pollution is not the most entertaining topic of conversation; but it is worth having a quick chat about it with your loved ones. They can help spread the word about this really important topic. Together we can make a difference.

Let’s create a clean and healthy future for all!

FAQs

  • Air pollutants released when burning solid fuels impact the air quality inside and out of your house. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, which is released in combustion processes such as solid fuel burning, is linked to 1,300 premature deaths in Ireland per year. Scientific research has linked PM2.5 to breathing problems, lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

  • Burning rubbish releases more dangerous air pollutants than burning traditional fuels. Many waste items contain toxic chemicals, plastics, and other synthetic materials. Burning them in your stove or fireplace releases these chemicals into the air and into your lungs. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) released when burning waste have been shown to cause cancer. Air pollution concentrations will likely be higher indoors than outdoors. It is important for your and your family’s health to avoid burning rubbish at home.

  • Overall, the Environmental Protection Agency has found that the largest sources of air pollution in Ireland are solid fuel burning and traffic emissions (Environmental Protection Agency, 2022).

  • Fuels and heating appliances vary considerably by their impact on air quality. You can find an overview in the “Cleaner Heating Guide” in the “Resources” section. Choosing a cleaner fuel can make a positive impact on your health and your family’s health. If possible, consider installing a cleaner heating system when upgrading your house.

  • If you are reliant on using solid fuels, there are still many ways you can make a positive impact on your air quality and health. Don’t burn rubbish, wet wood or smoky coal. Make sure your appliances are maintained and have your chimneys swept professionally.

  • A – Ask yourself: "Do I really need to light a fire?" Use other cleaner heating sources instead if possible.

    B – Burn cleaner, more efficient, low-smoke fuels and make sure you use the right fuel for your appliance.

    C – Clean and maintain your chimney and heating appliances at least once a year.

  • Support clean air policies and lobby your local politicians. Such policies might include:

    o More energy-efficient buildings

    o Restrictions on solid fuel burning

    o City or district heating

    o Updating old heating systems

    If you own a home, see if you can make it more energy efficient. There are grants available to help, more information is available from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Retrofitting your home can help you to significantly increase your energy efficiency and to live more comfortably.