South SFV Today

A new study conducted in U.S. homes has highlighted the concerning impact of gas and propane stoves on people's exposure to nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant associated with childhood asthma. The research, led by Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Professor Rob Jackson and his team, sheds light on the health risks posed by indoor air pollution from gas stoves.

Professor Rob Jackson expressed his surprise at the findings, stating, "I didn’t expect to see pollutant concentrations breach health benchmarks in bedrooms within an hour of gas stove use, and stay there for hours after the stove is turned off." He emphasized that the issue of pollution from gas and propane stoves extends beyond the kitchen, affecting the entire household. "It’s the whole family’s problem," Jackson remarked.

Lead study author Yannai Kashtan highlighted the key factors influencing exposure levels, stating, "We found that just how much gas you burn in your stove is by far the biggest factor affecting how much you’re exposed. And then, after that, do you have an effective range hood – and do you use it?"

The study revealed that households using gas or propane stoves are at risk of breathing unhealthy levels of nitrogen dioxide, which can lead to various negative health effects, including intensified asthma attacks and decreased lung development in children. The researchers estimate that gas and propane stoves may be responsible for as many as 200,000 childhood asthma cases, with a significant portion attributed to nitrogen dioxide alone.

Furthermore, the research highlighted the environmental impact of gas stoves, noting that methane leaks from stoves contribute to greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to hundreds of thousands of gasoline-powered cars. Switching from gas to induction stoves was shown to reduce climate emissions and hospitalization rates more effectively than previously thought.

The study underscores the importance of addressing indoor air pollution from gas stoves, particularly in smaller homes where exposure levels are significantly higher. The findings also reveal disparities in exposure across different racial, ethnic, and income groups, with communities already facing economic challenges being disproportionately affected.

In conclusion, the research emphasizes the need for interventions to reduce nitrogen dioxide exposure from gas and propane stoves, with ventilation being a crucial measure to mitigate indoor air pollution. The study serves as a reminder of the health risks posed by gas stoves and the importance of promoting cleaner cooking practices to safeguard public health.