Although people have been burning wood since the beginning of time, we now understand that woodsmoke may contain a mix of chemicals and microscopic particles that can cause or aggravate health problems. Tiny particles may be inhaled deep into the lung tissue and cause coughing, wheezing, chest pain and shortness of breath. Woodsmoke can increase the risk of heart and lung diseases such as asthma and emphysema, and make you more susceptible to illness. Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing lung and heart disease are especially vulnerable, but even healthy individuals can experience eye, nose and throat irritation as a result of exposure to woodsmoke.

Metro Vancouver is developing programs to address both residential and industrial/commercial sources of wood smoke.

In partnership with the BC Government, BC Lung Association and several local home heating retailers, Metro Vancouver is working to reduce the use of smoky appliances by providing eligible residents with a rebate when they trade in their old uncertified wood burning appliance for a new low emission appliance. The Metro Vancouver Wood Stove Exchange Program is an initial element of Metro Vancouver’s Residential Wood Smoke Emissions Reduction Program, which may also consider implementing further regulatory initiatives.

In 2008 Metro Vancouver enacted emission regulation bylaws which require wood-fired agricultural and industrial boilers or process heaters to comply with stringent emission limits.