Gas Stoves Emit a Harmful Pollutant Associated with Childhood Asthma

August 9, 2024 TruthUSA

Many households with gas stoves are at risk of high levels of NO2, which can exacerbate childhood asthma and impact adult respiratory health.

A study published in Science Advances (SA) in May highlighted the presence of unhealthy levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in households using gas or propane stoves. The study found that these levels can worsen asthma attacks, even extending to different parts of the house and persisting for hours after the stove has been turned off. Senior author Rob Jackson, a professor at Stanford’s Doerr School of Sustainability, expressed surprise at the rapid and lasting impact of gas stove use on indoor pollutant concentrations.

The study authors emphasized the significance of the exposure levels, noting that short-term NO2 exposure from typical gas stove usage often surpasses health benchmarks set by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The annual exposure to NO2 from gas stoves was estimated to be 4 parts per billion, a high concentration that is equivalent to 75% of the unsafe outdoor air limit recommended by the World Health Organization.

Data analysis revealed that gas and propane stoves contribute to high NO2 exposure, affecting around 50,000 cases of childhood asthma and leading to up to 19,000 adult deaths yearly. These stoves emit various harmful chemicals, suggesting that the impact on asthma cases may be much higher than initially estimated. Additionally, exposure to NO2 from gas stoves can lead to reduced lung development in children and chronic respiratory conditions in adults.

The study highlighted the emission of other pollutants, such as benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and ultrafine particles, from gas stoves. These pollutants are linked to various health issues, indicating that the overall health consequences of using gas stoves may be greater than previously understood. The investigation focused on NO2 due to its consistent high emission levels compared to other chemicals.

Factors affecting exposure levels include behaviors related to stove usage, residence size, and the occupant’s race, with smaller homes and certain ethnic groups facing higher exposure risks. The research suggested that outside venting hoods could help reduce NO2 levels to some extent, but their effectiveness varied depending on the home’s setup and the occupants’ habits.

Exposure to high NO2 levels from gas stoves can lead to various health issues beyond asthma, such as reduced lung development in children and chronic bronchitis in adults. The emission of multiple pollutants from gas stoves underscores the need for urgent action in addressing indoor air quality concerns.

The study also compared previous research findings on the impact of gas stoves on indoor air quality, highlighting the consistent elevation of NO2 concentrations in homes using these stoves. A 2022 policy statement by the American Public Health Association supported the notion that NO2 concentrations can exceed EPA standards due to gas stove usage.

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