National Data Reveals Alarming Health Toll from Wood Heater Smoke; NSW Deadliest State

National modelling reveals the serious and widespread health impacts of wood heater smoke across Australia, with thousands of people exposed to harmful air pollution and hundreds of premature deaths per year linked to long-term exposure.

Researchers at the Centre for Safe Air, University of Tasmania calculated the health impact of wood heater emissions in Australia during 2015. Wood heater smoke is a major source of fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅), a known trigger for asthma. Exposure to wood heater smoke over many years is associated with cardiovascular conditions like heart attack and stroke as well as respiratory diseases and even cancer. It is estimated that 729 people die prematurely each year as a result of long-term exposure to wood heater smoke.

Wood heater smoke can worsen asthma and trigger an asthma attack. While short-term exposure to PM₂.₅ tends to worsen existing conditions like asthma, long-term exposure can lead to reduced lung function, the development of asthma and/or faster progression of the disease.

New South Wales leads the nation with the highest total wood heater emissions of PM2.5 particle pollution (12.3 million kg/year) and the highest number of estimated premature deaths from wood heater pollution at 382 per year. This equates to 5.01 people dying prematurely each year for every 100,000 people, making New South Wales the state with the heaviest burden on public health.

Victoria follows New South Wales with the second-highest wood heater emissions (6.9 million kg/year) and estimated premature deaths (163 per year). However, this represents 2.7 deaths per 100,000 people, reflecting a significant but comparatively lower health impact.

South Australia and Tasmania, despite lower total emissions (4.5 million kg/year and 3.9 million kg/year respectively), face some of the most severe health burdens. The model estimates that 4.07 people die prematurely each year due to wood heater smoke for every 100,000 people in South Australia (69 premature deaths in total), while Tasmania’s premature death rate is close behind at 4.03 per 100,000 (21 premature deaths in total), highlighting disproportionate local health risks in these regions.

Next come Queensland and Western Australia, with around 3.4 million kg/year each, but their estimated premature death rates remain much lower — 1.22 and 1.04 deaths per 100,000 people respectively — likely reflecting factors relating to climate, geography and population distribution that result in lower overall population exposure.

In the Australian Capital Territory, wood heaters result in much lower total emissions (321,000 kg/year), yet they are estimated to cause 9 premature deaths annually, equating to 2.2 deaths per 100,000 people.

The Northern Territory and other territories show minimal wood heater emissions and negligible premature deaths linked to wood smoke.

“Lighting a wood heater may feel like a personal choice, but the smoke doesn’t stay in your chimney. It spreads throughout communities, putting children, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions at serious risk,” said Dr Chris Pearce, Asthma Australia spokesperson.

“Wood heater smoke is a potent trigger for asthma – it inflames the airways, reduces lung function, and can send people to hospital. For the 2.8 million Australians living with asthma, especially children and older adults, even low levels of smoke can be dangerous. Some experts in the field even compare the health effects of wood heater smoke to passive smoking.

“No one should have to fight to breathe in their own home or community.”

Professor Fay Johnston, public health physician and environmental epidemiologist from the Centre for Safe Air, said, “It is important to note that these are conservative estimates. The true health impact from wood heaters could well be higher.

“Our data is derived from national-scale modelling, which is essential for giving governments a clear, consistent overview to guide policy and resource allocation. However, it’s important to recognise that some areas — like Tasmania, Canberra and Armidale in New South Wales — have local studies and real-world monitoring data showing even worse wood heater pollution levels and health outcomes than the national model suggests.”

A Call for Cleaner Heating

The lack of a mandatory, comprehensive phase-out policy in urban or high-density areas of Australia means wood heater smoke remains a persistent health issue in many regions.

Chris Pearce said, “Asthma Australia is calling on all state governments, those in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia in particular, to introduce a phased ban on the installation and sale of wood heaters in urban and high-density areas, replacing them with low-emission alternatives like reverse-cycle air conditioners.

“Fewer wood heaters would mean cleaner air, fewer asthma flare-ups, and less need for emergency care during winter. Every year, we hear from families whose children or elderly relatives end up in hospital simply because someone nearby is using a wood heater. This is avoidable harm. Reducing emissions from wood heater use in built-up areas is one of the simplest and most effective ways we can protect people with asthma and other chronic lung conditions.”

The Centre for Safe Air’s interactive data visualisation tool, developed by the NHMRC Centre for Safe Air, offers Australians an accessible way to explore the health impacts of wood heater smoke in their communities. Users can search by state, territory, or down to Statistical Area Level 4 for detailed local insights.

Wood heater emissions and estimated premature deaths in 2015 in Australia

ENDS

For more information:

Contact Trinity Frederick, 0413 99 22 82