FOSSIL FUEL PRICE SURGES LINKED TO WORSE AIR QUALITY IN STUDY

Research from the University of Helsinki has found that increases in fossil fuel prices can prompt households to switch to wood burning, resulting in deteriorated air quality in some areas. The study examined northern Italy following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which disrupted energy supplies and raised fossil gas prices across Europe. Researchers, led by Dr Giancarlo Ciarelli, investigated whether householders responded to energy shortages by replacing gas consumption with wood combustion and assessed the resulting effects on air quality and public health.

Fossil gas consumption in northern Italy fell by approximately 18% in December 2022 as residents reduced energy use following appeals to conserve supplies. Warmer weather accounted for only about one-third of this decrease, suggesting behavioural change drove the remainder. The research team measured atmospheric concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene, a toxic and carcinogenic chemical released by wood smoke that attaches to small particles suspended in air. Prof Federico Bianchi noted that in northern Italy, residential wood combustion represents one of the main sources of this pollutant, which can be inhaled into the lungs.

Benzo[a]pyrene levels varied geographically across the Po Valley measurement network. Of 63 monitoring locations, 17 recorded increases exceeding 10%, with five sites reporting significant rises, indicating intensified local wood burning. Dr Ciarelli stated that the 2022 findings serve as a cautionary observation, noting that during periods of elevated energy prices, households may shift towards fuels that are cheaper or more readily available, including wood.