The Municipality of Voorschoten is repeating its public awareness campaign on wood burning
Last year, the municipality of Voorschoten launched a campaign to raise residents’ awareness of the health risks associated with wood-burning stoves, pellet stoves, and open fireplaces. In fact, one in three Dutch people is affected by wood burning: they experience health problems such as coughing and shortness of breath. Now that fall is here again, the municipality is repeating its awareness campaign to promote responsible heating.
“We understand that high energy prices are causing people to light their wood-burning stoves more often. What’s more, many people find a crackling fire cozy during this time of year. I do too, but let’s be considerate of one another,” said Hubert Schokker, alderman for the Environment.
Hazardous Substances
When a wood-burning stove, pellet stove, or open fireplace is lit indoors, smoke is produced. That smoke contains harmful substances, including particulate matter. These harmful substances cause air pollution and can harm your health and the health of others around you.
Tips on Stookwijzer.nu
Would you still like to light your wood-burning stove, pellet stove, open fireplace, or fire pit responsibly? Find out how to do so at www.atlasleefomgeving.nl/stookwijzer. Councilmember Schokker: “Stookwijzer is a handy tool where you can enter your address or ZIP code, or select a location on the map. You’ll then immediately see, based on a color code (yellow, orange, or red), whether it’s advisable to burn that day. For example, is it windless or foggy? If so, it’s better not to burn.”
More information
For more information on safe heating, visit www.milieucentraal.nl.