Particulate matter: First the cars, now the wood stoves
They are considered to be major air polluters: the old-fashioned wood-burning stove. Certain models are now banned!
Germans love their cars and even more so it seems their wood-burning stoves. But many of the heaters are too dirty, so they will have to be replaced or completely overhauled this year. For many wood-burning stoves, after 31 December 2020, the end of the off-road era will therefore come. The reason for this can be quickly identified, as some models exceed the specified particulate matter limits with their pollutant emissions. The current cut-off date regulation explicitly concerns the so-called single-room combustion plants which are operated with solid fuels: stoves, tiled stoves or heating fireplaces fired with pellets, wood chips, logs or coal. Specimens installed between January 1985 and 31 December 1994 are also affected. In addition, the scheme also applies to stoves with emission values exceeding 0.15 grams per cubic metre of exhaust gas for particulate matter and four grams per cubic metre for carbon monoxide. There are also corresponding exceptions - for example, historical fireplaces which can be proved to have been built before 1950 are not affected. Pure confusion!
For motorists it is almost a habit, because the madness of particulate matter and the associated regulations for road traffic are as complicated as those of stoves and fireplaces.
I wonder what the government will think up next for gauntlet runs?