Study: Wood smoke makes up more than third of Boston’s air pollution in the winter – WBUR

Impact of Wood Burning on Urban Air Quality and Health Risks: A Focus on Sustainable Development Goals

A recent study by Northwestern University highlights the significant impact of wood burning on air pollution in urban areas, emphasizing the need to address this issue in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Study Findings on Wood Smoke Pollution

The study reveals that wood smoke originating from rural and suburban areas is transported by wind into cities, contributing substantially to urban air pollution during winter months. In Boston, for instance, fine particulate matter from wood burning accounts for approximately 35% of the city’s total air pollution.

1. Data Sources and Methodology
   • Utilized National Emission Inventory and meteorological data.
   • Mathematical models tracked emission sources and pollutant transport.
   • Identified suburbs west and south of Boston as primary sources of wood smoke.
2. Exposure and Population Impact
   • Contrary to expectations, urban residents experience higher exposure than rural populations.
   • Only about 2% of American homes use wood as a primary heating source, yet wood smoke contributes over 20% of nationwide air pollution.

Health Implications and Disparities

Wood smoke emits fine particulate matter approximately 30 times smaller than a human hair, capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and bloodstream. This pollution is linked to various health conditions, including:

• Asthma
• Lung cancer
• Diabetes
• Dementia

The study estimates approximately 8,600 deaths annually in the United States are attributable to wood smoke inhalation. Notably, the health burden is unevenly distributed among demographic groups:

• Black communities face an estimated 8% higher mortality rate from wood smoke-related illnesses compared to the national average.
• Non-Hispanic white populations experience about a 4% lower mortality rate than average.
• Disparities are linked to higher prevalence of underlying health conditions and greater exposure to pollution in urban areas.

Policy and Regulatory Context

Experts emphasize the importance of regulating wood smoke emissions to improve air quality and public health, aligning with SDG 3 and SDG 11. Despite recent regulatory rollbacks by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning fine particulate matter, the study demonstrates that accurate monitoring and management of wood smoke pollution are feasible.

Recommendations for Reducing Wood Smoke Pollution

To support SDG 13 and promote sustainable urban environments, the study suggests the following measures:

1. Legislative action to regulate wood burning emissions.
2. Encouraging the use of properly dried wood to minimize smoke production.
3. Updating wood-burning furnaces to more efficient models.
4. Transitioning to greener heating alternatives such as heat pumps, where financially viable.

Conclusion

This study underscores the critical intersection of environmental health and social equity within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. Addressing wood smoke pollution offers a significant opportunity to improve air quality, reduce health disparities, and advance sustainable urban living.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses health risks from wood smoke pollution, including asthma, lung cancer, diabetes, and dementia.
   • It highlights mortality linked to inhaling wood smoke and disproportionate health impacts on certain demographic groups.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The study focuses on urban air pollution in Boston and other cities caused by wood burning in suburban and rural areas.
   • It addresses the transport of pollution into cities and its impact on city residents.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Wood burning contributes significantly to air pollution, which is a factor in climate change and environmental degradation.
   • The article discusses regulation and reduction of emissions as a form of climate action.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article highlights disproportionate health impacts on Black populations due to higher exposure and underlying health risks.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning, including air quality management.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Air Quality Indicators
   • Measurement of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in urban air, specifically from wood smoke emissions.
   • Percentage contribution of wood smoke to overall air pollution (e.g., 35% in Boston).
2. Health Impact Indicators
   • Mortality rates linked to inhaling wood smoke (estimated 8,600 deaths).
   • Incidence and prevalence rates of respiratory diseases such as asthma and lung cancer related to air pollution exposure.
   • Disparities in health outcomes among demographic groups (e.g., 8% higher mortality rate for Black populations).
3. Emission Source Tracking
   • Data from National Emission Inventory and meteorological models to track sources and transport of wood smoke pollution.
4. Regulatory Impact Indicators
   • Effectiveness of regulations on reducing fine particulate matter emissions from wood burning and other sources.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: wbur.org