Children’s exposure to home wood-burning could be as significant as traffic exhaust, study suggests

Research finds highest levels of cancer-related PAH pollutants in cities that have widespread wood heating

Children’s exposure to home wood-burning could be as significant as exposure to traffic exhaust, suggests new research across six European towns and cities.

Scientists measured the air in buildings where children spend much of their time; in schools, sports centres and homes. Specifically, they looked at polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), a family of pollutants that are given off when fuels are burned.