Smoke is particles of soot and tar. The main source of smoke is household chimneys. If you burn ordinary coal (household coal) on an open fire you can't avoid making smoke; it happens every time you light the fire and when you put on more coal.

What Harm Does Smoke Do?

Smoke creates dirt and extra work, reduces visibility, blackens buildings and damages many materials. In the home, smoke dirties washing and surfaces, adding to the burden of housework and decorating. Producing smoke indicates that the fuel is not being burnt properly, therefore creating smoke wastes money.

Smoke affects health - tiny smoke particles may be breathed directly into the lungs. People living where the air is smoky are more likely to suffer from bronchitis and chest complaints than those living in cleaner surroundings. In winter, smoke also increases the harm caused by cold and foggy conditions.

What Is a Smoke Control Area?

Clean Air legislation enables local Councils to establish 'Smoke Control Areas'. To find out which areas in Newtownabbey are Smoke Control Areas click on the Smoke Control Area link at the top of this page.

This means if your property is located within a Smoke Control Area you must not burn unauthorised fuel such as wood, turf or household coal. You should contact your fuel supplier to seek advice and ensure you only burn a smokeless fuel such as Phurnacite, Burnglo or Esse Nuts. To find out more information on approved fuels click on the Approved Fuel link at the top of this page.

Approved Smokeless Fuels

The following provides a list of smokeless fuel which may be burnt in an open fire available in Northern Ireland.

• Anthracite Large Nuts
• Anthracite Small Nuts
• Anthracite beans
• Anthracite grains
• Anthracite premium esse
• Phurnacite
• Burnlgo
• Glovoids
• Home Fire
• Coalite
• Wonderco
• Petcoke
• Blend
• Red Flame

Related Documents to Download:

List of Smoke Control Areas (.pdf 35Kb)

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