Cancer

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IACR), an agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) specializing in cancer, officially classified outdoor air pollution and particulate matter as carcinogenic back in 2013.

The IACR also states that wood smoke contains toxic chemicals that are carcinogenic (cancer-causing). It also classifies other chemicals produced by burning wood as hazardous air pollutants. 

Extracts of fine dust from burning wood have been found to be 30 times more tumor-causing than cigarette smoke condensate. Wood smoke is therefore more carcinogenic than cigarette smoke.

Studies show that carcinogenic pollution from wood-fired heating systems in private households is a major problem throughout Europe. Many additional cancer cases are due to the high levels of particulate matter caused by biomass combustion.

A 2023 study found that PM2.5 is associated with an increased risk of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and promotes breast cancer metastasis.

Other cancers that studies have linked to wood burning include mouth, throat and larynx cancer and skin cancer.