9,000 die every year from indoor pollution

NAIL varnish fumes are among indoor pollutants that cost around 9,000 lives a year, a study has warned.

Dozens of personal care products including nail polish and deodorant are contributing to poor air quality in people’s homes, which can lead to early death, campaign group Airtopia claims.

Also responsible for ruining air quality are gas stoves, wood burners, scented candles, home cleaning products, and soft furnishings.

The average person spends 90 per cent of their time indoors, where levels of some pollutants are higher than outside, scientists said.

When using the likes of nail varnish, cleaning products and paints, consumers are advised to open a window to improve ventilation.

Prof Stephen Holgate, of the Medical Research Council and the University of Southampton, said: “Research indicates that indoor air pollution has a significant impact on health – we estimate that this is up to 9,000 deaths per year of the estimated total 40,000 deaths from air pollution overall each year in the UK.

“The most significant sources of these pollutants come from cooking on gas, solid-fuel burning stoves, cleaning products, paints and new furniture and furnishings.”

David Evans, the founder of Airtopia, said: “Evidence from the USA and Europe suggests that air pollution can be up to five times worse inside than outdoors, and there is every reason to suggest it’s the same in the UK.

“People need to understand the invisible danger in their homes and the simple measures they can take to prevent the build-up of toxic air inside so they can live healthier.”