Cooking Emissions Surpass Vehicle Exhaust as London's Top Air Pollution Source, Study Finds

Cooking has emerged as London's largest source of harmful air pollution, surpassing vehicle exhausts, according to a new study by scientists from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. The research measured emissions of ultrafine particles, which are small enough to penetrate the bloodstream and organs, posing health risks.

Measurements taken from an atmospheric observatory atop the BT Tower revealed that cooking emissions were significantly higher during mealtimes. In London, cooking accounted for 83% of midday emissions and 87% of early evening emissions, while traffic exhausts contributed less than 10%.

"Most people smell cooking but never consider it as a pollutant, yet cooking can release large amounts of fine particulate matter into the atmosphere," said Dr. Ben Langford, the study's lead author. "Over recent decades we have dramatically reduced emissions from road transport, but we have paid far less attention to emissions from commercial kitchens and food preparation."

The study, published in npj climate and atmospheric science, suggests that improved filtration of kitchen fumes could offer a relatively quick way to enhance air quality. Researchers noted that the findings reflect the success of transport emission regulations and the shift towards electric vehicles in reducing traffic-related pollution.

While home cooking is not the primary concern, the study highlights that commercial kitchens, particularly those engaged in shallow and deep frying, are the main contributors. These emissions, characterized as non-refractory primary PM1, have only recently been added to the London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory, making direct historical comparisons difficult.

In contrast, fine particulate matter from vehicle exhausts in the UK has seen a substantial decrease, falling by 94% between 1996 and 2024. Dr. Eiko Nemitz, a co-author, stated, "Air quality policies targeting vehicle exhaust emissions have been highly effective. As a result, cooking emissions are now a surprisingly important and poorly regulated part of the urban pollution mix."