The research was published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science . The study found that lighters used to light open fires and stoves in the home - even when used in small amounts and for a short time - emit more black carbon than all of them biomass fuels together. Professor Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Deputy Director of the Ryan Institute Center for Climate and Air Pollution Studies at the University of Galway and Coordinating Scientist of the international research project, said: "Black carbon is one of the main pollutants that affects air quality and acts as a climate. force or conductor, second only to carbon dioxide. While this effect was discovered in Ireland, its impact is relevant to other European countries, the UK and the world, especially now that there is an energy crisis due to the resumption of solid fuel stoves". The research team describes the impact of using kindling on household heating and the release of black carbon as a significant and previously overlooked source of air pollution. Lighters are kerosene-based and contain a hydrocarbon alkane. (University of Galway)