Do you have a gas stove? How can we reduce harmful environmental pollution?

Gas stoves affect the air quality inside and outside your home and circulate pollutants that increase the risk of asthma and other diseases.

In previous blog posts, I have discussed the health harms of outdoor air pollution and how you can reduce health risks by reducing your exposure. There is growing evidence that we should also think about our indoor air quality, and research points to the potential harms of gas stoves.

If you have a gas stove, as many people do, understanding the issues and taking some steps can help protect your household. These steps can also help improve the quality of outside air.

Gas stoves have been linked to asthma in children

Cooking on gas stoves produces nitrogen dioxide and releases additional tiny particles in the air known as PM2.5, both of which are lung irritants. Nitrogen dioxide has been linked to asthma in children. In 2019 alone, it was estimated that nearly two million cases of new-onset childhood asthma worldwide were due to nitrogen dioxide pollution.

Children living in homes that use gas stoves for cooking have a 42% higher risk of asthma, according to an analysis of observational studies. While observational studies cannot prove that cooking with gas is the direct cause of asthma, data also shows that the higher levels of nitrogen dioxide, the more severe asthma symptoms become in children and adults.

Cooking and baking with gas appliances can release high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide. A recent study published by researchers at Stanford calculated that emissions of nitrogen dioxide from certain gas burners or stoves rose above the outdoor standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within minutes. Currently, the EPA has not established a standard for safe indoor levels.

Organizations such as the Massachusetts Medical Society and the American Medical Association are trying to raise awareness among clinicians and the public about these risks. However, much of this information still comes as a surprise to many.

Gas stoves leak even when they are turned off

The Stanford study tested gas stoves in 53 homes. All of the furnaces were leaking methane gas even when they were turned off. These leaks accounted for 76% of their total methane gas emissions. Both methane and nitrogen dioxide contribute to air pollution by forming ground-level ozone and smog. Methane is also a major greenhouse gas and worsens climate change. Notably, neither methane nor nitrogen dioxide emissions were associated with the age or price of the gas stove in this study.

Toxic chemicals in gas stoves and plumbing

Additionally, a study from Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and PSE Healthy Energy showed that gas appliances also introduce other toxic chemicals into homes. The researchers collected unburned gas from furnaces and building pipes in the Boston area. In their analysis, they identified 21 different dangerous air pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). For example, benzene, hexane and toluene were present in almost all gas samples tested. Exposure to some VOCs increases the risk of asthma, cancer and other diseases.

How can you protect the health of your household if you have a gas stove?

There are steps you can take to reduce your health risks from indoor air pollution, including this one.

Ventilate your kitchen while cooking

• Öffnen Sie Ihre Fenster, während Sie kochen.
• Verwenden Sie Abluftventilatoren, die die Luft ins Freie befördern. Obwohl dies zur Außenluftverschmutzung beiträgt, verringert es die Exposition gegenüber ungesunder Luft bei höheren Konzentrationen in geschlossenen Räumen. (Kanallose Ventilatoren, die die Dämpfe durch Filter umwälzen, funktionieren nicht so gut.)

Use air purifiers

Although they don't remove all pollutants, air purifiers can improve indoor air quality. Choose an air purifier with a high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) tailored to the size of your room. Air purifiers are easy to move, so you can place them near the kitchen during the day and in the bedroom while you sleep. Remember to replace the filters if they become dirty.

Switch to electrical appliances for cooking

Cost, clutter and environmental considerations may guide your decisions. The production of new devices consumes natural resources and old devices often end up in landfills. Here are some options to consider:

• Verwenden Sie einen Wasserkocher anstelle von kochendem Wasser auf dem Herd.
• Kochen Sie mit einem elektrischen Schongarer, Schnellkochtopf, Reiskocher, Toaster oder Mikrowelle.
• Ersetzen Sie einen Gasherd durch einen Elektroherd. Sehen Sie sich diese Tipps zur Durchführung dieses Wechsels und zum Recycling von Geräten an. Wenn Sie in Massachusetts ansässig sind, haben Sie möglicherweise Anspruch auf einen Rabatt von 500 US-Dollar von Mass Save auf einen Wechsel von einem Gas- zu einem Induktionsherd in diesem Jahr. (Andere Staaten können ähnliche Anreize bieten.)

The switch would also help the environment because electrical appliances do not rely on methane gas but can use renewable, clean energy sources. And ultimately, taking action to combat climate change means taking action for a healthier planet and a healthier you.