Moorland Fires Put 2.3 Million at Risk, Study Warns
News Desk
Leeds: A new study by the University of Leeds and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has found that routine moorland burning is exposing millions of people across the UK to unsafe levels of air pollution.
Researchers say the controlled burning of moorlands significantly increases concentrations of PM2.5, tiny airborne particles capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and causing serious health problems.
The study estimates that around 550,000 additional people are exposed to hazardous pollution levels as a result of the burning. During peak pollution periods, the number of affected people can rise to as many as 2.3 million.
Lead researcher Dr Ailish Graham said the findings reveal that the impact of prescribed moorland burning extends far beyond local communities.
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“Until now, prescribed moorland burning has been seen as a local air quality issue. Our results show that prescribed burning can increase PM2.5 concentrations across much larger regions,” she said.
Moorland burning is commonly carried out to encourage new heather growth for grouse shooting, a sport practiced on many upland estates across Britain.
However, environmental organisations have long criticised the practice, arguing that it damages peatland ecosystems that play a crucial role in supporting wildlife and storing carbon.
Following recently introduced legislation in Scotland, the RSPB is now calling on the British government to introduce a licensing system for grouse moors in England.
Campaigners warn that urgent action is needed to protect public health and preserve fragile natural habitats, claiming that people are being forced to breathe polluted air caused by fires largely set to support sporting activities.
