OSU researchers are working to make wood stoves burn more cleanly

Think Out Loud

OSU researchers are working to make wood stoves burn more cleanly

Clean

Published on Jul 22, 2025, 1:00:40 PM
Total time: 00:10:02

Episode Description

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates there are more than 10 million wood-burning stoves in homes across the U.S., or roughly one for every 35 people. The smoke from those stoves can emit harmful particle pollution, which has been linked to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease and a host of other health issues. Researchers at Oregon State University recently tested residential wood stove emissions in rural Oregon in an effort to understand how the stoves perform in homes.

Nordica MacCarty is an associate professor of mechanical engineering at OSU. She joins us to talk about her work to make wood stoves burn more cleanly and efficiently.

More about Think Out Loud

OPB's daily conversation covering news, politics, culture and the arts. Hosted By Dave Miller.