Ministers want to halve the number of people exposed to high levels of pollution from fine particulates by 2025.

Allan Wilson, test engineer for BSRIA, said: “With the introduction of the EcoDesign Directive for solid fuel appliances scheduled for 2022, the legislation makes provision for the significant reduction in all measured emissions, including particulates. There doesn’t, however, appear to be a policy to address emissions from existing appliances or open fires including BBQs.

“While there is tighter legislation being introduced in terms of appliance manufacturers having to demonstrate compliance, there is no control as to how they are operated once sold to the consumer. Education as to how the end user operates their new and existing appliances would contribute greatly in the reduction of ‘real’ emissions. Part of the education piece should be the promotion of appropriate fuels that are ‘fit to burn’ – for both new and existing appliances.

“Indeed, in recent years, BSRIA has provided consultancy and testing services to assist new members and ensure industry products meet the requirements.”

In April 2016, BSRIA alerted manufacturers to changes made to government legislation regarding the testing of room heaters fired by solid fuels for CE marking and DEFRA smoke tests, namely stoves.

BSEN 13240 is being replaced by BSEN 16510 under the Eco Design Directive  2009 / 1185 / 6.