Air pollution inside our homes may just be as bad, or even worse, than outside.

A major government report shows our indoor air quality is a hidden threat - especially if you live in the city.

The report finds those who live in cities or near roadways have high levels of pollution indoors because of the air getting in.

GNS Science atmospheric scientist Dr Bill Trompetter told Mike Yardley things like cooking and gases indoors make it worse.

"There's also dust being generated indoors just from our carpet and moisture and other activities are exacerbating our whole problem."

He said it's because the air outside is making its way in, with the same concentration of pollution.

"There are sources of indoor air pollution which exacerbate the whole thing and can sometimes increase our exposure to 10 to 800 times more than what's outside."

Trompetter said one way to stop it is to lower the outdoor pollution.

LISTEN ABOVE AS BILL TROMPETTER SPEAKS WITH MIKE YARDLEY