Health effects of wood smoke

Wood smoke is a major source of air pollution,[1][2][3][4] especially particulate pollution,[2] polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)[2] such as formaldehyde.[5] In some towns and cities in New South Wales wood smoke may be responsible for 60% of fine particle air pollution in the winter.[6] In the United Kingdom domestic combustion is the largest single source of PM2.5 annually.[7] Wood smoke can cause lung damage,[8][9] artery damage and DNA damage[10] leading to cancer,[11][12] other respiratory and lung disease and cardiovascular disease.[6][13] Air pollution, particulate matter and wood smoke may also cause brain damage[14][15][16][17] and increase the risk of developmental disorders,[18][19][20][21] neurodegenerative disorders[22][23] mental disorders,[24][25] and suicide,[24] although studies on the link between depression and some air pollutants are not consistent.[26] Air pollution has also been linked to a range of other psychosocial problems.[25]