A team of scientists undertaking one of the most comprehensive studies on indoor air pollution, have published a report on ways to create cleaner air in our homes. 

The UK research project, known as INGENIOUS, has been investigating the causes of indoor air pollution, how indoor pollutants transform in our air, and how they affect our health by working with 300 households in Bradford. 

As a nation, we spend nearly 90% of our time indoors on average – but our understanding of indoor air pollutants is highly uncertain compared to our understanding of outdoor pollution.

INGENIOUS is one of the first large-scale research programmes in the UK to focus specifically on how pollution forms, and evolves, in indoor environments. 

The team’s findings, presented in their brand new “Breathing Cleaner Air in our Homes” report, offer insights into how simple behaviours and actions can be implemented to create cleaner air in our homes. 

The programme has brought together scientists from University of York, University of Manchester, University of Cambridge, University of Sheffield, National Centre for Atmospheric Science, Stockholm Environment Institute and the Born in Bradford team.

Together they have been exploring the major sources of indoor air pollution, the ventilation status of different homes, and strategies to minimise risks and support behaviour change. 

The researchers have been using a combination of laboratory experiments, real home surveys, mobile measurements and computer models. It is the first time that researchers have investigated indoor pollution from so many angles at the same time. 

INGENIOUS is funded by the UK Research and Innovation Strategic Priorities Fund Clean Air Programme, led by Professor Nicola Carslaw at the University of York, and supported by the National Centre for Atmospheric Science.