Smoke and burning

Last updated on June 13, 2023

Smoke is a significant source of air pollution.

Smoke comes from:

  • Outdoor burning, like land clearing fires
  • Indoor burning, like wood stoves and fireplaces

One of the main pollutants in smoke is fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5.

Breathing in the fine particulate matter in smoke causes many kinds of health effects, including heart and lung problems. Research has shown there's no lower threshold for the health effects of breathing in smoke.

Learn more about:

All wood heating generates smoke, but smoke from wood heating can be reduced by using clean-burning practices and a cleaner-burning appliance.

The Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program provides financial incentives to replace smoky old wood stoves with cleaner heating options.

Examples of cleaner heating options include:

  • Heat pumps
  • Pellet stoves
  • EPA-certified wood stoves

For more information, review:

Burning is regulated by provincial and municipal laws and regulations: