When it comes to indoor air quality, headlines often zero in on woodburning stoves as if they’re the biggest problem in our homes. But the truth is more complicated. Our living spaces are filled with everyday with various indoor air pollution sources — from frying a steak to lighting a scented candle — and not all of them get the same level of scrutiny. If we want to have an honest conversation about what really affects our air indoors, it’s time to put these sources side by side and rank them.

By looking at the evidence, we can see clearly where woodburners fit in the bigger picture. Spoiler: they’re not at the top of the danger list.