Wood burners may treble children’s exposure to pollution in homes, study finds

Research in Wales found that home, not outdoor travel, was largest contributor to children’s daily exposure

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hildren living in homes with wood burners could be exposed to over three times more pollution than those in non-wood-burning homes. The results come from a study that looked at air pollution experienced by primary schoolchildren in Wales.

Fifty-three children from two primary schools in Anglesey (Ynys Môn) were given backpacks equipped with air pollution sensors. They took the packs home and carried them during their journeys to and from school.

Dr Hanbin Zhang, from the University of Exeter and part of the study team, said: “One thing that stood out was the home environment. This was the largest contributor to children’s daily particle pollution​ exposure – more than school or commuting. This was mainly due to indoor sources such as wood burning and indoor smoking.”