Why winter evenings are worst
The EPA says burning solid fuel to heat homes is the main source of fine particle pollution in Ireland. Most fires are lit in the evening, and on cold, calm nights a layer of cold air near the ground traps the smoke. Levels can climb from about 6pm and stay high until after midnight.
This happens in small towns and villages as well as cities. Air quality is usually best on windy, wet days, when Atlantic air carries the smoke away.
What fine particles do
Smoke carries PM2.5: particles less than 2.5 thousandths of a millimetre across. They are small enough to pass through the lungs into the blood. The EPA calls PM2.5 the most important pollutant in Ireland for health, and links poor air quality to about 1,700 early deaths in Ireland each year.
On a smoky evening you might notice a cough, a scratchy throat or sore eyes. Over years, breathing polluted air raises the risk of heart and lung disease.
Who should take most care
- People with asthma or COPD.
- People with heart disease.
- Older people, babies and young children.
- People who are pregnant.
On a poor air quality evening
- Check the air quality forecast for your town. The European Air Quality Index on our air quality pages goes from Good to Extremely poor.
- Keep windows closed in the evening and air your home in the morning or early afternoon instead.
- Move your run, walk or cycle to the morning or lunchtime, and stay away from busy roads.
- If you have asthma, keep your reliever inhaler with you.
If you burn solid fuel
Since 31 October 2022, smoky coal can’t be sold anywhere in Ireland, only approved low-smoke fuel. Firewood sold in bags or small loads must meet a legal moisture limit, and turf can’t be sold in shops or online.
- Burn only dry wood. Wet wood makes far more smoke and less heat. Look for “Ready to burn” or a moisture figure on the bag.
- Never burn rubbish, painted or treated wood, or packaging.
- Have your chimney swept every year.
- An open fire wastes most of its heat up the chimney. A modern stove gives more heat with less smoke.
- Use the fire less on cold, still evenings, when smoke has nowhere to go.
Questions
Why is air quality worse in winter in Ireland?
Because more people burn coal, turf and wood to heat their homes, mostly in the evening. On cold, calm nights the smoke is trapped close to the ground.
Is a wood-burning stove bad for air quality?
Any solid fuel fire makes fine particles. A modern stove burning dry wood makes much less smoke than an open fire or a stove burning wet wood.
Is it safe to exercise outside on a smoky evening?
For most people a short walk is fine, but hard exercise means breathing in more of the particles. When air quality is Poor or worse, exercise in the morning or indoors, especially if you have asthma.
This is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about symptoms, talk to your pharmacist or GP.
Further reading
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