Gas stoves, a mainstay in many kitchens, have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years due to their potential impact on indoor air quality and human health. Several studies have shed light on the issue, prompting discussions about the health risks associated with gas stoves and potential alternatives.

Recent Studies Link Gas Stoves to Increased Nitrogen Dioxide Levels

A May 2024 study published in Science Advances by Stanford University and collaborators investigated the link between gas stoves and indoor air pollution. The researchers measured nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations in over 100 homes of varying sizes and ventilation configurations. Their findings were concerning:

• Elevated NO2 Levels: Even in bedrooms far from kitchens, NO2 levels frequently exceeded health benchmarks set by the World Health Organization (WHO) while gas stoves were in use and for hours afterward.
• Nationwide Impact: The study estimated that typical gas stove use increases average annual NO2 exposure by 4 parts per billion, reaching 75% of the WHO's outdoor air safety limit.
• Health Risks: Chronic exposure to NO2 has been linked to various health problems, including asthma exacerbation, hindered lung development in children, and potentially increased risk of premature death.

The study highlights that NO2 exposure from gas stoves is not limited to those cooking in the kitchen. It can linger throughout the home, affecting everyone inside, regardless of proximity to the stove.

Beyond NO2: Other Concerns with Gas Stoves

Previous research from Stanford University has identified additional health risks associated with gas stoves:

• Methane Emissions: A 2022 study estimated that methane leaking from gas stoves inside U.S. homes has the same climate impact as roughly 500,000 gasoline-powered cars.
• Benzene Emissions: Another 2023 study found that cooking with gas stoves can raise indoor levels of benzene, a carcinogen, above those found in secondhand smoke.

These studies suggest that gas stoves contribute to both indoor air pollution and climate change.

Electric Stoves as a Healthier Alternative

The Stanford studies consistently found that electric stoves do not generate NO2 or benzene emissions. This suggests that switching to electric stoves could significantly improve indoor air quality and potentially reduce health risks.

A 2023 study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters analyzed a household electrification program in Ecuador. The research found that switching from gas to electric stoves led to faster reductions in climate emissions and hospitalization rates than previously expected.

Potential Disparities in Exposure

The Stanford NO2 study also identified potential disparities in exposure based on race, ethnicity, and income. Homes in communities with higher outdoor NO2 pollution (often lower-income and minority communities) may experience a compounding effect when combined with gas stove emissions. Additionally, people living in smaller homes (under 800 sq. ft.) face a greater risk due to less air volume to dilute pollutants, leading to higher average annual NO2 exposure.

Recommendations and Next Steps

• Ventilation: Using range hoods that vent outside can help minimize NO2 buildup from gas stoves. However, proper ventilation may not always be sufficient to eliminate health risks.
• Consider Electric Stoves: The research suggests that electric stoves offer a healthier alternative by eliminating NO2 and benzene emissions altogether.
• Further Research: While the current research provides strong evidence of health risks associated with gas stoves, more investigation is needed to fully understand the long-term health impacts and potential mitigating factors.