Professional chefs and foodies love the controls of a gas stove. But there’s a possibility that gas stoves could be banned for health reasons. They emit a dangerous toxin, nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
This gas forms when fuels like coal, oil, diesel, and natural gas (methane) burn at high temperatures. It’s one of the irritant pollutants in smog. So, standing over your gas stove breathing in toxic air threatens your long-term health.
In the United States, a substantial number of households—approximately 50 million, or over a third—use gas or propane stoves for cooking. This information is based on data provided by the US Energy Information Administration.
If you have a gas stove in your home, you’ll want to take precautions while cooking. In the long term, you may want to change your cooking appliance.
What Are The Gas Stove Risks?
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The main risks of nitrogen dioxide from gas ranges result in breathing in the gas. That is why standing over the stove can lead to exposure with toxic health results.
The risks are highest for respiratory changes:
- Increased inflammation of the airways;
- Worsened cough and wheezing;
- Reduced lung function;
- Increased asthma attacks; and
- Greater likelihood of emergency department and hospital admissions.
The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services did a full study available to the public, listing the ramifications in the workplace. Other studies suggest a link to causing asthma in children.
The American Lung Association also sites studies that associate NO2 with:
…heart and lung harm, affected pregnancy and birth outcomes, and were likely associated with increased risk of kidney and neurological harm, autoimmune disorders and cancer.
The risks of NO2 health impairment definitely lurk in your kitchen if you have a gas stove.
Who Is At Gas Stove Risk?
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The individual using the gas range is most at risk, especially if they stand over the stove with tasks like stirring. But, everyone in the household is at risk as the gas permeates the air..
But some people are more at risk from exposure to nitrogen dioxide. The American Lung Association lists the most vulnerable:
- Individuals who are pregnant
- Infants, children. and teens
- Older adults (>65 years of age)
- People with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, diabetes, lung cancer
- Current or former smokers
- People with low socioeconomic status
- People of color.
The most at-risk populations, according to CNN Health, are low-income individuals. This is because they live in rental units with no choice to change their cooking appliances. They are confined to small, often poorly ventilated, spaces where the toxic gas can accumulate.
How To Protect Yourself and Your Family
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Cooking with a gas range provides control in food preparation from low heat to flame control in an instant. You can take three main precautions to continue using the gas range in your home.
- Use the biggest ventilation system you can over the stove to suck the fumes out of the area.
- Keep other household members out of the kitchen, while gas flames are burning.
- Avoid standing over the burning flames as much as possible.
Good ventilation with powerful fans is the safest option to continue using your gas stove to minimize your exposure to nitrogen dioxide. The ventilation sucks the air out of the room before it spreads to other parts of your home.
Electric stoves do not produce nitrogen dioxide. Consider replacing your gas stove and switching to an electric model to preserve your health. You’ll reduce your risk of diminished lung function or aggravating asthma in children. The choice is up to you.
For a deep dive on nitrogen dioxide and its effects, read The National Library of Medicine’s collection of studies.
About The Author
Zara Altair is a writer and author of historical mysteries set in 6th Century Italy. She is passionate about books, film, film history, and sharing her knowledge with others. Engage with Zara, her educational insights, and her tips for fellow writers by following her on X(Twitter) and Threads. Zara is a seasoned journalist and accomplished writer with deep expertise spanning entertainment, literature, film writing, neuroscience, and health. Zara blends critical analysis with a profound passion for storytelling.