A new study suggests that children's exposure to home wood-burning could be as significant as exposure to traffic exhaust.
Researchers checked air quality in schools and homes across six European towns and cities and found high levels of PAHs, chemicals linked to cancer.
Colchester and Athens highest winter PAHs
Colchester and Athens, where wood fires are common, had the highest PAH levels, especially during winter. Meanwhile, places like Barcelona and Lisbon had much lower amounts.
While none of the cities hit a dangerous lifetime cancer risk, experts say it is important to understand indoor air pollution since children are especially vulnerable.
As researcher Maria Antonia Aretaki puts it, "Understanding the pollutants in children's everyday surroundings is an important step toward protecting their health. Children are particularly important given their vulnerability to environmental pollutants and the potential health implications from exposure during childhood."