Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 hr ago
Cooking emits more harmful particles than vehicle exhausts in London and Beijing
A study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology found that cooking emitted more harmful fine particles than vehicle exhausts in central London and Beijing.
The researchers measured very small particles that can reach deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
In London, cooking accounted for 83% of midday emissions and 87% in early evening, while traffic exhausts made up less than 10%.
The researchers say commercial kitchens are likely the main source, particularly through the use of cooking oil for frying.
They link cooking’s prominence partly to decades of rules that cut vehicle pollution; UK fine-particle emissions from vehicle exhausts fell by 94% between 1996 and 2024.
Cooking emissions have only recently been added to London’s emissions inventory, so direct historical comparisons are not possible.
The study says better filtration of kitchen fumes could offer a relatively quick way to improve air quality.
A study found that cooking produced more direct emissions of harmful particles than vehicle exhausts in central London and Beijing.
In London, cooking accounted for 83 per cent of midday emissions and 87 per cent of early-evening emissions.
Vehicle exhausts accounted for less than 10 per cent of emissions in London.
The researchers said commercial kitchens, particularly those using cooking oil for frying, were likely the main source.
The study measured particles smaller than one micrometer, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
- Who
- Scientists from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology conducted the study.
- What
- The study found that cooking produced more direct emissions of harmful particles than vehicle exhausts in London and Beijing.
- When
- The study was published on 3 November 2026.
- Where
- The city centres of London and Beijing. London measurements were taken at the atmospheric observatory atop the BT Tower.
- Why
- The researchers said decades of effective vehicle-emissions policies have reduced traffic pollution, while cooking emissions have received less attention.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Fine particulate matter emitted by vehicle exhausts in the UK fell by 94 per cent.
The study comparing cooking and vehicle emissions in London and Beijing was published.
The Daily Mail published its report on the study.
- London midday emissions
- Cooking accounted for 83 per cent.
- London early-evening emissions
- Cooking accounted for 87 per cent.
- London traffic exhausts
- Accounted for less than 10 per cent of emissions.
- Particle size studied
- Less than one micrometer.
- UK vehicle-exhaust particulate matter
- Fell by 94 per cent between 1996 and 2024.
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What people are saying
Most people smell cooking but never consider it as a pollutant, yet cooking can release large amounts of fine particulate matter into the atmosphere.
Our results suggest this is an area where further improvements in air quality could be achieved relatively quickly through better filtration of kitchen fumes.
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.