Eight-five percent of people experience worse air quality in their homes than they do outdoors for more than 6 months of the year.

The report from Dyson ranked Ireland’s air quality 23rd out of all surveyed countries.

Ireland has higher levels of the pollutant PM 2.5 than the US - with indoor pollution levels at their highest between 7PM to 11PM, when many people return from work and put the heating on.

Dyson Head of Air Quality Research Ken Armstrong said there are a number of things that contribute to air pollution.

“In an outdoor setting it can be fine dust generated by traffic, wildfire or pollen,” he said.

“Indoor air pollution - that’s much more complicated and nuanced; it can be using cleaning solvents or combustion of fuels for cooking or heating.”

Heating systems

Although they keep us warm and toasty, Mr Armstrong said wood burning stoves and even central heating can actually be harmful to our health.

“I think, sadly, when it comes to air quality, we are too reliant on our senses,” he said.

“There can be real serious air quality problems in your indoor settings - just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not there.

“So, we really want to make sure people are aware of the problem of indoor air quality so they make healthier choices about how they live their lives.”

The average human being would live 2.3 years longer if global pollution levels met World Health Organization guidelines.

Main image: Woodburning stove and a basket of logs.