Scientists have warned burning scented candles, vaping and using some cleaning products can cause indoor air pollution.
The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) said there are inadequate regulations around some products that could be impacting indoor air quality.
Professor Nicola Carslaw, professor in indoor air chemistry at the University of York, said: “A wide range of factors can affect the indoor air quality of someone’s home, workplace, or school, but there is a lack of data and statutory targets for indoor air pollution comparable with those that exist for outdoor air, which could be having a detrimental effect on public health.
“A nationwide inventory of indoor emissions would facilitate research and increased monitoring of pollution levels indoors and the corresponding health impacts would be a really positive step towards tackling the issue of indoor air quality.”
Poor indoor air quality has been linked to lung diseases like asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
It has also been linked to increased risk of heart disease and strokes.
There are concerns about using wood burners, especially as winter approaches.
Anne Horan of the RSC, said: “Indoor air pollution is a serious issue that can have negative impacts on health.
“It is estimated that in the UK we spend 80 to 90 per cent of our time indoors, but indoor air pollution remains not as well understood as outdoor air pollution, which has been studied much more extensively.
“Given its complexity, measuring indoor air quality is challenging, but understanding what is harmful is essential to allow Governments and regulators to develop effective policies, standards and guidance in this area.
“That’s why we’re calling for greater coordination and collaboration between researchers and policymakers, a need for enhanced measurements, and more funding for indoor air quality research to improve the situation.”
Types of indoor air pollution include particulate matter, which are tiny particles of dust and dirt in the air, such as soot and dust mites.
Gases are another type of pollutant, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulphur dioxide.
Asthma and Lung UK said: “Anyone can be affected by indoor air pollution. If you live with a lung condition, you’re more likely to be affected by poor air quality as your lungs are more sensitive. Not everyone has the same reactions to indoor air pollution.
“If you have a severe lung condition you might find it harder to move around, so may spend more time indoors. This means you may have more contact with air pollutants like cigarette smoke, cleaning products or mould.
“Children are more at risk from poor indoor air quality, as their lungs are still developing. Children’s airways are smaller, so inflammation caused by indoor and outdoor air pollution can cause them to narrow more easily than adults.”
