Wood heaters have been a staple for winter warmth in Australian homes, yet their smoke has raised significant health concerns and neighbour disputes. Studies indicate that exposure to this smoke can trigger asthma and has long-term associations with serious health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, and even cancer.
Recent research from the University of Tasmania’s Centre for Safe Air has drawn attention to the detrimental effects of wood heater emissions on public health. It estimates that 729 Australians die prematurely each year due to long-term exposure, with low-level exposure posing health risks for millions more. The southeastern states are reported as the most affected areas.
New South Wales (NSW) faces the harshest impact, leading the nation in wood heater emissions and recording the highest number of premature deaths attributed to this source—382 annually, which translates to 5.01 deaths per 100,000 individuals. Victoria follows, with 163 premature deaths yearly, representing 2.7 deaths per 100,000.
Although South Australia and Tasmania feature lower total emissions, their residents endure severe health risks, with estimates suggesting 69 premature deaths in South Australia (4.07 per 100,000) and 21 in Tasmania (4.03 per 100,000). The Australian Capital Territory (ACT), despite lower emissions, sees around nine premature deaths annually, averaging 2.2 per 100,000.
Professor Fay Johnston, a public health expert, believes the reported figures may underestimate the true health impacts, particularly in regions like Tasmania and parts of New South Wales, where local studies indicate even higher pollution levels and consequent health risks.
Asthma Australia has voiced concerns that governments are not doing enough to protect the 2.8 million Australians living with asthma by failing to phase out wood heaters in favour of low-emission alternatives such as reverse-cycle air conditioning. Chris Pearce, a representative of the organisation, highlighted that reducing the number of wood heaters could lead to cleaner air, diminished asthma attacks, and decreased hospital admissions during the winter months. He emphasised the preventable nature of many health issues related to wood heater emissions, which often affect vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly.