Recent research has shown that cooking on a gas stove not only causes air pollution, but also causes many diseases such as asthma.
Cooking with gas stoves creates nitrogen dioxide and releases tiny airborne particles known as PM2.5, both of which are lung irritants. Nitrogen dioxide has been associated with childhood asthma. During 2019 alone, it is estimated that around two million new cases of childhood asthma worldwide are due to nitrogen dioxide pollution.
According to the analysis of an observational study, children living in homes that use gas stoves for cooking are 42% more likely to have asthma.
While observational studies cannot prove that gas cooking is a direct cause of asthma, the data also show that the higher the nitrogen dioxide level, the more severe asthma symptoms in children and adults.
Gas Stoves Are Dangerous Even When Off
Some scientists from Stanford University tested gas stoves in 53 homes.
All stoves leak methane gas even when turned off. These leaks equated to 76% of total methane emissions. Both methane and nitrogen dioxide contribute to air pollution by creating ground-level ozone and smog.
Gas Stoves and Pipeline Hazard
A study by the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and PSE Healthy Energy showed that gas appliances also introduce other toxic chemicals into homes. In their analysis, they identified 21 different hazardous air pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
So How Can We Avoid This Danger?
In order to be protected from indoor pollution caused by gas stoves and the health risks it brings;
- Ventilate the kitchen while cooking.
- Use an air cleaner.
- Use fans that carry the air outside.
- Prefer electric and induction hobs.
- Use an electric kettle instead of boiling water on the stove.
- For slow cookers, use a pressure cooker.
Source: Harvard Health-Dr. Wynne Armand