Burnt toast could expose households to more toxic air pollution than if they were standing near a busy road, a study has revealed.
Scientists said toasters, alongside scented candles, wood-burning stoves, and gas cookers, could create pollution as people cook and clean inside their homes.
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that toasters release toxic particles into the air from the moment they are turned on, the Sunday Times reported.
The safest way to make the breakfast food is to 'go for gold' and only allow the bread to become a light brown colour, experts said.
Scientists said toasters, alongside scented candles, wood-burning stoves, and gas cookers, could create pollution as people cook and clean inside their homes (file photo)
Speaking at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Marina Vance said: 'When you make toast, the heating element starts warming up the debris and gunk in the toaster which includes oils.
'Add to that the bread itself - it's going to emit a range of things. We found ethanol, a by-product of yeast. If there's tiny pieces of bread touching the heating element you can see from the smoke, maybe from the crumbs at the bottom of the toaster - they will all make a lot of particles.
'It's led to what would be considered 'very unhealthy' air pollution levels compared to the outdoor air quality standards.'
The research team used advanced sensors and cameras to monitor the indoor air quality of a 1,200-square-foot manufactured home on the University of Texas Austin campus.
Over the course of a month, the researchers conducted a variety of daily household activities, including cooking a full Thanksgiving dinner in the middle of the summer.
The experiment's results are still pending, but Ms Vance said it is apparent homes need to be well ventilated while cooking
