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Many people worry about outdoor air pollution, especially on days where smog hangs in a brown cloud over a city. Few, however, consider the air quality in their own home. EVEN Assistant Professor Dr. Marina Vance recently spoke at the American Association of the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting about her research on indoor particulate air pollution generated by cooking and other household tasks.

Dr. Vance discovered that cooking could raise particulate air levels to worse than those seen in heavily polluted cities. This would correspond with outdoor levels considered “very unhealthy” by the US . It is unknown whether these are as harmful as breathing outdoor air pollution but inhaling any particle is known to be detrimental to health. Luckily, the indoor levels dissipate quickly and most houses can be effective in keeping outdoor particulate pollution out.

Vance’s research was recently featured in , , and . For people concerned about air particles in the home, she recommends using exhaust fans while cooking and cleaning, and checking outdoor air pollution levels before opening the home.