Written by Katia Ramadori, Four Green Steps

In a new study from the University of Sheffield, researchers found that the level of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in some homes were three times that of busy city centers and roads, which is well above the concentration recommended by the UK Indoor Quality Air Guidance. The homes that showed the most indoor air pollution were those that had gas cookers, however, electric cookers also showed a higher concentration than the recommended amount.

Lead researcher, Professor Vida Sharifi commented, “We spend 90 per cent of our time indoors and work hard to make our homes warm, secure and comfortable, but we rarely think about the pollution we might be breathing in."

Sharifi also mentions that very little information exists on emission rates from varying appliances and on the acceptable standards of indoor air pollution.

Many people focus on outdoor pollution, which is an important concern, but considering that people spend most of their lives indoor, it is very important have clean indoor air as well.

A good way of reducing indoor air pollution is to have indoor plants. Not only will they improve the look of you home, they could also benefit your health.

Although this was a small study, it has revealed an important concern that needs to be further explored.

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Image courtesy of Creative Commons.

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