RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Health impacts of anthropogenic biomass burning in the developed world JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP 1577 OP 1588 DO 10.1183/13993003.01865-2014 VO 46 IS 6 A1 Sigsgaard, Torben A1 Forsberg, Bertil A1 Annesi-Maesano, Isabella A1 Blomberg, Anders A1 Bølling, Anette A1 Boman, Christoffer A1 Bønløkke, Jakob A1 Brauer, Michael A1 Bruce, Nigel A1 Héroux, Marie-Eve A1 Hirvonen, Maija-Riitta A1 Kelly, Frank A1 Künzli, Nino A1 Lundbäck, Bo A1 Moshammer, Hanns A1 Noonan, Curtis A1 Pagels, Joachim A1 Sallsten, Gerd A1 Sculier, Jean-Paul A1 Brunekreef, Bert YR 2015 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/46/6/1577.abstract AB Climate change policies have stimulated a shift towards renewable energy sources such as biomass. The economic crisis of 2008 has also increased the practice of household biomass burning as it is often cheaper than using oil, gas or electricity for heating. As a result, household biomass combustion is becoming an important source of air pollutants in the European Union.This position paper discusses the contribution of biomass combustion to pollution levels in Europe, and the emerging evidence on the adverse health effects of biomass combustion products.Epidemiological studies in the developed world have documented associations between indoor and outdoor exposure to biomass combustion products and a range of adverse health effects. A conservative estimate of the current contribution of biomass smoke to premature mortality in Europe amounts to at least 40 000 deaths per year.We conclude that emissions from current biomass combustion products negatively affect respiratory and, possibly, cardiovascular health in Europe. Biomass combustion emissions, in contrast to emissions from most other sources of air pollution, are increasing. More needs to be done to further document the health effects of biomass combustion in Europe, and to reduce emissions of harmful biomass combustion products to protect public health.Biomass combustion is an important source of air pollution and ill health in the EU: emissions need to reduce http://ow.ly/RYkPk