The smell of cigarette smoke has been identified as "top of the pongs" in a survey.

Tobacco was closely followed by stale alcohol suggesting that the smoking ban may have resulted in increased smoking and drinking at home, survey organisers Space Air Solutions said.

Cheap perfume, in third place, has featured in the top 10 most offensive household smells since the Top Pongs chart began eight years ago.

It has climbed from seventh place last year in the annual survey, which polled more than 1,300 people.

Cooking smells came fourth and the smell of air freshener sprays, intended to disguise household smells, is named as an unlikely offender with a dramatic rise from 10th to fifth position.

Neil Afram, of Space Air Solutions, which manufactures domestic air purification systems, said: "It seems clear that the smoking ban in public places has transferred the problem back to the home, where drinking also appears to be on the increase."

Mr Afram also claimed the survey showed that concerns over rising heating bills and the need to conserve energy are keeping household windows firmly shut.

He said: "Today's modern homes are virtually draft-proof so that, with closed windows, there is little or no fresh air in circulation.

"This results in a greater awareness of household odours like tobacco smoke, stale alcohol, cooking and some perfumes."

Top 20 Pongs 2010 are: 1. Cigarette smoke; 2. Stale alcohol; 3. Cheap perfume; 4. Cooking smells; 5. Air freshener smells; 6. Toilets; 7. Domestic pets; 8. Refuse bins; 9. Drains; 10. Body odour; 11. Damp and decay; 12. Deodorants; 13. Fish; 14. Traffic fumes; 15. Wet paint; 16. Hair sprays; 17. Coal fires; 18. Burning/scorching; 19. Flatulence and 20. Socks.