Potential for reducing the health burden of air pollution from residential wood combustion in the Nordic countries

This report examines the impact of air pollution from residential wood combustion on health in the Nordic countries.Residential wood combustion is a major contributor to premature deaths and health issues. The number of premature deaths is expected to decrease from 1,600 in 2019 to 1,200 by 2030, with health costs dropping from EUR 3.2 bn. to EUR 2.5 bn. This improvement is due to fewer and newer, less polluting appliances, and better energy efficiency in homes.

Two additional scenarios for 2030 reflecting national differences were evaluated.

Technology Scenario: Faster replacement of old appliances, reducing premature deaths by 190 and health costs by EUR 390 mil.

Zone-Based Scenario: Bans in densely populated areas, reducing premature deaths by 240 and health costs by EUR 510 mil.

Mitigation in densely populated areas offers greater health benefits than national-level efforts.