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Clean air at home

Row of terraced houses

Air pollution indoors can sometimes be worse than outside.

It often comes from everyday activities and products, including burning wood, coal, candles or incense, cooking (especially deep‑fat frying), using personal products like perfumes and body sprays, and smoking or vaping.

Research from the INGENIOUS study found harmful levels of indoor air pollution in some homes in Bradford.

Man on sofa coughing

Risks and Health Impacts

Breathing in polluted air can affect your health in both the short and long term, at any age. In the short term, it can cause headaches, eye irritation and coughing, and make asthma and allergies worse. Over time, long-term exposure to poor air quality can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.

Arm opening a window

How can I improve the air in my home?

  • Open windows a few times a day to let fresh air in, especially when cooking or showering. If you live near busy roads, try to open windows when traffic is less busy. If people nearby burn wood or solid fuels, ventilate when there’s no visible chimney smoke
  • Use extractor fans if you have them
  • Clean floors regularly to reduce dust and allergens in the air
  • Avoid aerosols, choose pump, solid, liquid or roll-on products instead
  • Avoid, or ideally stop using, solid fuel appliances like wood‑burning stoves, as they can also affect neighbours
  • Reduce or avoid candles and incense, as they release chemicals when burned
  • Don’t smoke or vape indoors
Bathroom extractor fan

Bigger steps to improve air quality at home

  • When replacing your kitchen hob, choose electric instead of gas
  • Consider installing extractor fans in your kitchen and/or bathroom
  • Replace solid fuel appliances with cleaner options like gas boilers, or ideally an air source heat pump

Control Moisture and Allergens

Indoor air pollution also includes allergens in your home, for example dust mites, pets and mould. Mould often grows in damp, moist areas. Asthma UK provides helpful advice on managing air pollution and allergies at home.

Further Information

Air quality – Bradford Council
For information on air quality and work that’s going on locally in Bradford district.

Assisted purchase scheme
See if you are eligible for support to buy a second-hand electric cooker.

Housing repairs and home improvements
Find out about grant schemes you can access to improve air quality at home.