Secondhand tobacco smoke and routine tasks such as operating the stove are the biggest emitters of indoor pollution in UK homes, according to a new study. The research, led by Dr James Heydon from the University of Nottingham, measured air pollution in 20 UK homes over four weeks, each equipped with a Defra-approved wood stove.
The study found that wood burning can trigger sharp spikes in indoor air pollution, particularly during routine stove management like lighting, refuelling, and tending the fire. Dr Heydon advised: “To try to reduce their indoor pollution, refuel less often, open the stove door as slowly and briefly as possible, and avoid frequent top-ups.” He also highlighted the role of ventilation and suggested users consider not lighting fires when children or people with health conditions are present.
Similar results were found by teams from Imperial College London and the University of Surrey in homes in south-east England and Cornwall. Campaign group Mums for Lungs, using freedom of information requests, discovered about 15,000 complaints are made annually to local councils about smoke from neighbours’ fires.
Cooking also contributes significantly to indoor air pollution. Professor Sarah West from the University of York, part of the Ingenious study measuring air pollution in 310 homes in Bradford, said: “In our Bradford homes the highest particle pollution was related to cooking. From experiments in a controlled laboratory kitchen, frying was a particularly big source.” Her simple message is “pan on, fan on” – turn on the extractor fan when cooking.
The research team also recommend turning on the extractor or opening windows when using cleaning products and scented sprays around the house.
