Air Quality - air definition and open fire guide

Guide on open fires and wood-burning stoves

Open fires and wood-burning stoves have risen in popularity over recent years. This means we now see more smoke from chimneys which has a negative effect on our air quality. This leaflet provides simple steps on:

• Maximising efficiency, meaning you burn less fuel
• Reducing maintenance costs
• Keeping chimneys in a better condition

Please visit the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) website to view and download the practical guide on open fires and wood-burning stoves. 

What is air?

Air is one of the essential components of life. It is a mixture of gases and small particles which vary in composition.

The balance of these gases is affected by human activities and it is when this balance is shifted or the air contains a substance which may be harmful to health or the environment that it is termed polluted.

In this section you can find out about the following:

• General Air Quality Information
• Local Air Quality Management in South Cambridgeshire
• Smoke and Bonfires