Gas Stove: The Health Risks and How You Can Reduce Them

A growing body of independent scientific research has identified significant risks associated with gas stoves, including releasing pollutants that can contribute to indoor air pollution, respiratory problems, and even cancer.

There is an ongoing battle between the research on the risks associated with gas stoves and the fossil fuel industry. The fossil fuel industry is vested in promoting the use of natural gas, including in homes, for cooking and heating. 

Some experts even suggest that the fossil fuel industry may be using tactics similar to those used by the tobacco industry in the past, such as funding research that disputes the health risks associated with their products, promoting uncertainty and doubt around scientific evidence, and influencing policy and regulatory decisions to minimize the perceived risks of their products.

The New York Times recently published a trio of articles highlighting the potential risks of gas stoves and the ongoing battle between the research on the dangers and the fossil fuel industry. The features cited research indicating that gas stoves can be a significant source of indoor air pollution and expose people to dangerous levels of pollutants.

Nitrogen oxides, particularly nitrogen dioxide, a respiratory irritant suspected to cause asthma, are poisonous gases released when using a gas stove. Last year a study found that families who use gas stoves in homes with poor ventilation or without range hoods can blow past the Environmental Protection Agency national standard for safe hourly outdoor exposure to nitrogen oxides within a few minutes; the E.P.A. as no agreed-upon standards for nitrogen oxides in indoor air. Rates of nitrogen oxide emission levels were directly proportional to the amount of gas the stove was burning, reported the newspaper.

The Research

It’s worth noting that the issue of indoor air quality and the potential risks associated with gas stoves has been an ongoing concern among health experts and environmental advocates.

According to Brady Seals, a manager at the environmental think tank R.M.I. (Rocky Mountain Institute), for approximately the last fifty years, researchers have demonstrated that exposure to gas stoves can harm humans. Studies have documented that gas stoves can produce a range of pollutants and toxins, including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, which can degrade indoor air quality and potentially harm human health.  

R.M.I., whose work involves accelerating the clean energy transition, released a recent study that estimated gas-burning stoves were associated with 12.7 percent of childhood asthma cases in the United States. 

In an interview with the NYT, Jonathan Levy, who heads the Department of Environmental Health at the Boston University School of Public Health, endorsed the R.M.I. study. He said the research linking gas stoves to asthma and other health issues, including the R.M.I. study, was solid.

“There’s a very large and longstanding literature that shows that gas stoves lead to increased levels of indoor nitrogen dioxide, which stands to reason since you’re burning fuel indoors, and nitrogen dioxide comes from fuel combustion,” he said. “Separately, we know that there’s a very large literature linking nitrogen dioxide exposures to respiratory health effects, and to asthma in particular,” he added.

Eric D. Lebel, a senior scientist at the nonprofit research institute P.S.E. Healthy Energy and the lead author of a recent study published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal, found gas stoves also emit methane, even when the stoves are off. 

Researchers used plastic sheets to seal off kitchens in private homes, Airbnb rentals, and properties for sale or rent. They discovered that, on average, turning on a gas stove burner or letting it burn for 10 minutes produced nearly the same amount of methane emissions. The study also showed that gas ovens generate more methane than cooktop burners because ovens frequently ignite and extinguish their main burner to maintain the desired temperature.

Methane The Main Component of Natural Gas

The main component of natural gas is methane (CH4), which typically makes up between 70% and 90% of the gas. Methane is a colorless, odorless gas that is the simplest hydrocarbon. It is formed naturally over millions of years by the breakdown of organic matter, such as plant, and animal remains, under high pressure and temperature conditions.

In addition to methane, natural gas may contain other hydrocarbons, such as ethane, propane, butane, and pentane, as well as small amounts of other gases, such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide.

The exact composition of natural gas can vary depending on the source and location of the gas. However, regardless of its precise composition, natural gas is a fossil fuel that contributes to climate change and air pollution when burned.

The Risks

1. Carbon monoxide: Gas stoves can produce carbon monoxide when the burners are not fully combusting the natural gas. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is toxic in high concentrations and can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even death.
2. Nitrogen dioxide: Gas stoves can also produce nitrogen dioxide, a respiratory irritant that can cause inflammation of the lungs and airways. Long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide has been linked to respiratory diseases such as asthma.
3. Particulate matter: Gas stoves can produce small particles of soot and other pollutants that can harm human health. These particles can aggravate existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and increase the risk of heart disease.
4. Formaldehyde: Gas stoves can also produce formaldehyde, a volatile organic compound (V.O.C.) that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Long-term exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

Who’s at Risk

Children: Children may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of pollutants from gas stoves, as their bodies are still developing, and they may be more sensitive to environmental toxins. Exposure to pollutants from gas stoves has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory problems, such as asthma, in children. 

Adults: Adults may also be at risk from exposure to pollutants from gas stoves, particularly if they have pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Long-term exposure to these pollutants has been linked to increased heart disease and lung cancer risk in adults.

Pets: Pets may also be at risk from exposure to pollutants from gas stoves, mainly if they spend a lot of time indoors. Pets with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of indoor air pollution. 

How to Reduce Your Risk

Despite the industry’s efforts to downplay the risks, it’s crucial for consumers to be aware of the potential health and environmental impacts of gas stoves and to take steps to minimize exposure.

• Ensuring proper ventilation when using gas stoves is essential to reduce the risk of exposure to these toxins. 
• Use the appropriate size range hood or vent to remove pollutants from the air
• Open windows to improve ventilation. 
• Keep burners and stovetops clean to prevent soot buildup and other pollutants. 
• Have a qualified professional service gas stoves regularly to ensure they operate efficiently and safely.
• Consider alternative cooking methods, such as electric or induction stoves.