Many across Richmond have turned to wood burning stoves as both a style statement and, potentially, a cost saving at a time of rising energy bills.

However, academics at Imperial College are keen to understand whether this shift in home heating habits comes with a hidden health risk.

Experts at the university are looking for people from Richmond who burn solid-fuel in their homes to take part in an innovative research project.

Richmond borough won a joint DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) bid alongside 13 other London boroughs to investigate the health effects of wood burning inside and outside the home.

One government research report calculated that wood burning in homes produces more small particle pollution than all road traffic in the UK.

Particle pollution is well known to damage health and cause early deaths. And the report concluded: "These toxins may enter the bloodstream and be transported around the body, lodging in the heart, brain and other organs. Therefore, exposure can result in serious impacts to health."

The London Wood Burning Project is looking for volunteers to take part in a research project, which is focused on fuel-burning, air quality and health.

The investigation will be undertaken by Imperial College London to provide a more detailed exploration into the health impact of different types of burning as well as the effects on household members and neighbours nearby.

The research group would like to take measurements in volunteers homes where solid fuel is burned in an open fireplace or wood burning stove.

The project aims to improve scientific understanding about how different types of solid fuel burning appliances and fuels can affect air quality and provide insights on the safest ways to use fuel burning appliances.

The measurements will be taken between November 2022 to January 2023 and no personal details will be included in the study reporting will refer to an approximate location only.

If you would like to take part, please email [email protected]

Please include in your email which type of solid-fuel burning appliance you use, including the manufacturer and make/model, if available, and which borough you live in.

Find out more information about the project - https://www.londonair.org.uk/LondonAir/general/news.aspx?newsId=2zyCGOtrFPnz7sZgFfGADc