I never worried about air pollution in my home - until this Birmingham University study opened my eyes

New research from the University of Birmingham suggests the air inside our homes may be more polluted than the air outside.

Scientists have monitored pollution levels in suburban houses and found that everyday activities like cooking and lighting candles can contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Many people assume that air pollution is mainly an outdoor problem, but researchers in Birmingham have found high levels of pollution inside ordinary homes. Scientists placed pollution monitors in three suburban houses to track tiny airborne particles, usually linked to traffic emissions.

Read the study here.

The results showed that in some cases, indoor air was more polluted than the air outside, with one home exceeding World Health Organisation safety guidelines on nine separate days.

Experts say pollution sources include dust, cooking, and scented candles. One home recorded lower pollution levels overall, where occupants regularly used extractor fans while cooking and opened windows during the day.

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Researchers have also explored the impact of this pollution on brain function, finding that it can affect concentration and the ability to carry out tasks.