The effects of domestic combustion on indoor air quality and health: Evidence briefing

Domestic combustion (burning solid fuel for heating a home) is a recognised contributor to air pollution-related illness and mortality. Evidence synthesis is required for UK policy recommendations, but there remains a gap in evidence from UK homes relating to the health impacts and health equity considerations of burning solid fuel for heating. In January 2026, the UK government began consultations specifically regarding the regulation of wood-burning stoves, and the current rapid review is a direct response to this consultation, with an objective to examine the effects of domestic combustion on indoor air quality and health in the UK. We will do this by addressing two review questions: (1) How does domestic combustion impact indoor air quality, and (2) What are the health harms of indoor air pollutants from domestic combustion? We will focus on UK primary evidence since 2018 for Question 1 and recent evidence from similar countries for Question 2, prioritising evidence from systematic reviews. Databases EMBASE (including Medline), Scopus and GreenFILE will be searched using terms relating to domestic combustion, indoor air quality and health impacts, with filters for country and language. Grey literature will be obtained from topic experts. Records will be screened by the review team in Rayyan in the following stages: (1) Question 1 titles and abstracts; (2) Question 1 full texts; (3) Question 2 titles and abstracts; (4) Question 2 full texts. Data will be extracted into standardised forms, following a piloting process, and critical appraisal will be undertaken using a checklist appropriate to the study type. Grey literature will be additionally appraised using the AACODS checklist. If exposures and outcomes for each question are measured using consistent metrics, then meta-analysis will be undertaken, however if there is extensive heterogeneity in exposure, outcome measurement or study designs, narrative synthesis focusing on SWiM principles will be conducted. The main output will be an evidence briefing for DHSC and DEFRA, summarising key findings. We expect to report on the types of pollutants associated with domestic combustion and on health impacts related to those specific pollutants.