Wood smoke pollution harms pets too
We know that pollution from wood burning increases medical costs. A recent study provides evidence it also contributes to increased medical costs for our pets.
Researchers at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment analyzed data covering seven million UK veterinary visits over a period of five years.
They found when PM2.5 levels go up, more cats and dogs need to see the vet.
If the UK lowered pollution levels to meet World Health Organization guidelines, they concluded, it would result in 80,000 fewer vet visits each year, collectively saving pet owners roughly £15,000,000. They noted the total economic benefits were, in reality, likely to be “considerably higher.”
The increased vet visits covered “a broad class…that could plausibly be driven by poor air quality,” and did not include visits for things like vaccinations or post-operative care.
According to Dr Stephen Jarvis, Assistant Professor in Environmental Economics at the London School of Economics:
Tackling air pollution is important for the climate, for health and the lives of our pets. Improving the air we breathe could lead to huge savings in vet bills and cut out unnecessary stress for pet owners.
Reducing wood burning must be an important part of this effort. Domestic wood burning is a major source of air pollution in the UK, emitting more PM2.5 than traffic—a similar situation to many other places around the world.
It’s been known for a long time that wood smoke affects the health of our pets. This study adds to the evidence: more vet bills are yet another way wood burning costs us.
