How to Reduce Air Pollution in the Home

This information has been provided to answer some of the questions you may have about air pollution in the home

Improving Indoor Air Quality at Home

We spend up to 90% of our lives indoors, so the quality of indoor air significantly impacts our health and wellbeing. Indoor air pollution can contain harmful pollutants from daily household activities, appliances, building materials, and cleaning products.

 

Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

• Cooking and heating — Gas stoves, open fires, boilers and wood-burning stoves release nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀), and carbon monoxide (CO)
  
  
• Building materials & furnishings — Paints, varnishes, carpets, furniture and personal care products emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including benzene and formaldehyde
  
  
• Damp, mould and biological allergens — Moisture from cooking, drying clothes or leaks can encourage mould growth and raise exposure to bacteria, dust mites and spores
  
  
• Tobacco smoke & radon gas — Second‑hand smoke and naturally occurring radon can worsen respiratory health and raise cancer risk

 

Health Impacts of Poor Indoor Air

Even short-term exposure can cause eye and throat irritation, headaches, coughing and exacerbate asthma or allergy symptoms. Over time, indoor air pollution is linked to increased risk of COPD, heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and reduced lung function in children. UK research shows indoor NO₂ levels from gas cooking heighten COPD exacerbation risks by over 60% from clean to polluted days. Recent findings also suggest gas hob use can produce NO₂ and PM₂.₅ levels higher than those near one of London’s busiest roads. Around 40,000 early deaths across Europe and the UK are attributed to nitrogen dioxide from gas cooking each year.

Practical Tips to Reduce Pollution

Ventilate Smartly

• Open windows or use extractor fans when cooking, cleaning or showering.
  
  
• If you live near busy roads (e.g. opposite a traffic lane), ventilate from the quieter side and avoid opening windows during rush hour
  
  
• Use trickle vents if available, or keep windows slightly ajar regularly to avoid stale air buildup

 

Manage Combustion Sources

• Switch to electric or induction hobs, ideally powered by renewable energy, instead of gas – this greatly reduces NO₂, benzene, formaldehyde emissions
  
  
• If using a wood-burning stove, opt for a Defra-approved appliance, burn dry seasoned wood or smokeless fuel, and maintain it regularly. The UK’s domestic burning contributes about 38% of particulate pollution
  
  
• Ensure boilers and heaters are routinely serviced by qualified engineers to avoid carbon monoxide risks. Consider upgrading to ultra‑low NOx models

 

Reduce VOC Exposure

• Choose low‑VOC or VOC‑free paints, varnishes, cleaning and furnishing products.
  
  
• Prefer mild or fragrance‑free cleaning/personal care items and avoid aerosol sprays.
  
  
• Keep dust low by wiping surfaces with damp cloths; ventilate well during and after redecorating

 

Control Moisture & Mould

• Use extractor fans or open windows after baths, cooking or laundry.
  
  
• Repair leaks promptly and dry clothes outside when possible.
  
  
• Remove black mould using a suitable fungicide and ventilate during cleaning

 

Monitor Carbon Monoxide & Radon

Fit mains-wired CO alarms in rooms with gas or solid-fuel appliances and test them regularly.

If radon is a concern in your area, consider testing your home with a certified kit or professional service

 

Why It Matters

• Health benefits: Reducing exposure to indoor pollutants can improve respiratory and cardiovascular health, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, seniors and people with asthma or COPD
  
  
• Long-term savings: Improved ventilation and energy-efficient cooking and heating can lower bills and reduce indoor pollution at the same time.
  
  
• Environmental advantage: Choosing cleaner fuels and appliances supports the UK’s broader shift toward net-zero emissions and cleaner air.

 

Need Help or Further Info?

• Consult reputable sources like the British Lung Foundation, Asthma + Lung UK, or NHS England’s healthy-living pages for more advice
  
  
• For energy grants or support on switching to low-carbon solutions, check government and local authority sites.
  
  
• Want to know more or tailor this advice to your situation? Click here