What if the cosy crackling fire you love is doing the same damage as a cigarette?
In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Orlena is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Wan — a London-based doctor and air quality campaigner — to tackle one of the most overlooked health risks hiding in our homes and neighbourhoods: wood smoke.
We know cigarettes are deadly. But here's what most people don't know: burning a log produces nearly identical toxic particles. In fact, a single log burner in your living room pumps out more ultra-fine pollutants than a heavy goods vehicle. These particles don't just affect your lungs — they enter your bloodstream, cross the placenta, and have been linked to cancer, asthma, and even dementia.
In this conversation, you'll discover:
🔥 Why wood smoke is the new smoking — and why even government-approved "eco stoves" aren't as safe as their label suggests
🫁 How the damage spreads far beyond your home — affecting your neighbours, your children, and communities with no power to stop it
🌍 Why change is absolutely possible — from London's clean air success story to the grassroots campaigns already shifting policy, and what you can do right now
Whether you have a log burner, live near someone who does, or simply breathe air (which is all of us), this episode will change how you look at that warm, flickering flame — and give you the knowledge to protect yourself and the people you love.
To find out more about Mums for Lungs Campaigns: https://www.mumsforlungs.org/our-campaigns
To find out more about the extent of wood burning in your area: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9231a18627b94b3a80e4f33fb3b4a9fd
To find out more about air pollution and it's impact on human health: https://www.rcp.ac.uk/policy-and-campaigns/policy-documents/a-breath-of-fresh-air-responding-to-the-health-challenges-of-modern-air-pollution/
To find out more about air pollution and it's impact on childrens health: https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/air-pollution-uk-position-statement
Most importantly do sign up for the Mums for Lungs newsletter: https://www.mumsforlungs.org/get-involved
And do get in touch if you would like to get involved with campaigning: volunteers@mumsforlungs.org
Watch Stop Dieting Start Thriving: https://www.drorlena.com/stop-dieting
Sign up for the Stop Dieting and Start Thriving Video:
https://www.drorlena.com/stop-dieting
Looking for support? Book a free call with Dr Orlena:
https://www.drorlena.com/book-a-call-dr-o
