A recent study highlights concerning findings regarding the air quality in homes equipped with gas or propane stoves. Researchers have discovered that regular use of these stoves leads to unhealthy levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) indoors.

The study, conducted by researchers at Stanford University, reveals that typical use of gas or propane stoves increases NO2 exposure by approximately 4 parts per billion over the course of a year. This level is significantly close to the threshold deemed unsafe for outdoor air by the World Health Organization, posing health risks for individuals indoors.

Yannai Kashtan, the lead researcher, emphasizes that the increased NO2 exposure from gas stoves can exacerbate asthma attacks and hinder lung development in children over time. The mixture of pollutants emitted from these stoves is estimated to contribute to as many as 200,000 current cases of childhood asthma, with one-quarter attributed solely to nitrogen dioxide.

Furthermore, long-term exposure to NO2 from gas stoves is linked to an estimated 19,000 deaths annually. The study utilized sensors to measure NO2 concentrations in over 100 homes of various sizes and layouts, revealing that pollutant levels surpassed health benchmarks in bedrooms shortly after gas stove use and persisted for hours afterward.

The study also highlights disparities in exposure based on home size, with residents in smaller homes experiencing twice as much NO2 exposure compared to the national average. Additionally, racial, ethnic, and income groups are disproportionately affected, with American Indian, Alaska Native, Black, and Hispanic households facing higher NO2 exposure levels.

Rob Jackson, a senior researcher involved in the study, emphasizes the importance of addressing these disparities and implementing effective ventilation strategies to reduce pollutant exposure. While cooking food itself emits minimal NO2, the use of gas or propane as fuel is the primary contributor to indoor NO2 levels.

The study underscores the need for greater awareness of indoor air quality hazards associated with gas stoves and the importance of implementing ventilation measures, especially in smaller homes and marginalized communities. The findings were published in the journal Science Advances, shedding light on the urgent need to address this overlooked health concern.