For a long time, gas stoves have been regarded as the top choice for passionate cooks and upscale kitchens. However, a growing body of research has revealed that these appliances can significantly degrade indoor air quality, posing risks to the health of children. The conversation surrounding gas stoves has intensified to the point where some advocates are calling for a nationwide ban on their use. New York has already taken the lead as the first state to prohibit natural gas and other fossil fuels in most new buildings.
Many scientists behind these alarming findings are so taken aback by the implications that they are replacing gas stoves in their own homes, despite the expense involved.
What Are the Risks of Gas Stoves?
Dr. Mark Thompson, an environmental science professor at the University of California, conducted a recent study revealing that gas stoves leak methane continuously, even when not in use, and emit nitrogen oxides and other harmful gases that can severely affect lung health, particularly in children. Although Thompson’s stove has an electric oven, he is committed to replacing it. “It’s tough to part with a perfectly functional electric oven,” he shared with a local news outlet. “But it’s necessary.”
Similarly, Dr. Lisa Kearns, a chemist at the University of Alberta, conducted a significant study in 2018 where her team monitored air quality in homes with gas stoves. They discovered alarmingly high levels of nitrogen oxides during cooking sessions, with the pollutants lingering for hours. “We were all shocked,” she noted in an interview. The levels surpassed Health Canada’s guidelines for one-hour exposure, and the toxins persisted much longer. “As soon as I could, I transitioned to an electric induction stove,” she added.
Environmental engineer Dr. Sarah Johnson from the University of Denver also opted for a gas-free kitchen. “Cooking is the primary source of indoor pollution,” she stated in a 2021 interview. “It leads to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, worsening conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in children. Essentially, you’re living in a toxic environment.”
The Health Risks of Gas Stoves
Burning natural gas releases harmful substances such as nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde, all of which can adversely affect our health, even in minimal concentrations. A comprehensive analysis of 41 studies published in the International Journal of Epidemiology in 2013 found that children residing in homes with gas stoves faced a 42% higher risk of current asthma. Additional research has linked gas cooking to increased respiratory problems in both children and adults with chronic lung diseases.
One study conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in 2014 found that cooking with gas for just an hour without proper ventilation could elevate indoor carbon monoxide levels by up to 30%. Surprisingly, newer models do not produce any less pollution than older ones. Gas stoves also emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and the emissions from U.S. gas stoves alone are equivalent to the output of half a million cars annually. As concerns mount, several cities, including New York and the Bay Area, have enacted bans on gas stoves in new buildings, with New York’s ban taking effect in 2023.
What Can You Do If You Have a Gas Stove?
While many experts advise replacing gas stoves, many individuals may lack the means to do so, particularly renters. If replacing your gas stove isn’t an option, there are steps you can take to minimize indoor air pollution while cooking.
Dr. Thompson recommends always using your range hood ventilation, which can significantly reduce air pollution levels. Many people neglect to use it due to noise, but it can cut pollution by nearly half when functioning correctly. Be sure to check where your hood vents; some only recirculate air instead of expelling it outside. Additionally, opening windows when weather permits or using HEPA air filters can help improve indoor air quality.
If you must continue using a gas stove, try to utilize your back burners, as this will allow your hood to capture more pollutants. Dr. Ellen Roberts, a researcher from Oregon State University who has studied the effects of gas stoves on asthma, succinctly advised: “Parents should ensure proper ventilation when using a gas stove.”
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In summary, gas stoves pose significant health risks, particularly for children, due to the harmful pollutants they release. Researchers and health experts are advocating for a transition to electric cooking methods to protect family health and improve indoor air quality. If replacing a gas stove isn’t feasible, utilizing proper ventilation and making informed cooking choices can help mitigate some of these dangers.