Cooking with gas stoves could cause Asthma, says study. How to avoid the risks

Cooking with gas or propane stoves is a common practice in many households, but it can pose serious health risks, particularly for women who traditionally spend more time cooking. Recent studies have highlighted that pollutants released during cooking may increase the risk of respiratory issues such as asthma. Understanding the hazards and taking steps to minimize exposure can help reduce these risks.

Gas Stove Pollutants and Health Risks

Research conducted by Kashtan and colleagues, published in Science Advances, suggests that cooking with gas or propane stoves releases nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a pollutant linked to thousands of asthma cases across the U.S. alone. The study estimates that long-term exposure to NO2 from gas stoves contributes to around 50,000 cases of pediatric asthma and 19,000 adult deaths annually in the United States.

Mary Margaret Johnson, a principal research scientist at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, explains that the danger is compounded for women, who are not only exposed to cooking fumes but also to cleaning products that negatively affect immune and respiratory systems. "Women are both exposed to cleaning products, which can have negative impacts on your immune system and your respiratory health, and then they’re also being exposed to the cooking fumes from gas stoves. That’s compounding the health impacts," Johnson told Healio.

Why Women Are More Affected

Globally, women tend to cook more than men, making them more vulnerable to pollutants from gas stoves. A 2022 survey by Cookpad/Gallup showed that women cooked more than twice as many meals as men. This gender gap is especially wide in countries like Ethiopia, Egypt, and Nepal, while it narrows in places like Spain, the U.K., and France. With this greater exposure, women are disproportionately affected by indoor air pollution, which can worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Children are also at significant risk, particularly in households where gas stoves are used frequently. The long-term health impacts on children include asthma and other respiratory issues, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that household air pollution contributed to 237,000 child deaths in 2020 alone.

Minimizing Risks from Gas Stove Use

While the dangers of gas stove emissions are clear, there are several ways to reduce exposure and protect your health:

• Switch to Electric or Induction Stoves: One of the most effective ways to avoid the health risks of gas stoves is to switch to electric or induction stoves, which do not release harmful gases like NO2. “If you have a choice, don’t have a gas stove. Use an electric stove or a stovetop,” Johnson advises.

• Improve Ventilation: If switching to an electric stove is not an option, ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated. Using a venting hood, especially one that vents to the outside, or simply opening windows while cooking can significantly reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.

• Monitor Air Quality: Installing an air monitor can help track the level of pollutants in your home. This way, you can take action when air quality declines, such as turning on exhaust fans or opening additional windows.

• Cook for Shorter Periods: The longer you cook, the more pollutants are released. “Whatever you can do to reduce the amount of time that you’re spending at the stove would be helpful,” Johnson notes. Opt for meals that require less time on the stove or use methods like pressure cooking to shorten cooking durations.

• Regularly Maintain Gas Stoves: Ensuring that your gas stove is in good working condition can reduce the amount of NO2 it releases. Proper maintenance includes checking for gas leaks and cleaning the stove regularly.

• Use Air Purifiers: An air purifier can help reduce indoor pollution levels by filtering harmful particles, including those released from gas stoves. Look for purifiers that specifically target fine particles and gases.

Global Disparities and Need for Clean Cooking

The issue of pollution from cooking is even more severe in low-income countries, where many households rely on solid fuels like wood, charcoal, and crop wastes. According to the WHO, nearly 3.2 million deaths each year are linked to household air pollution, with women and children bearing the greatest burden. In these regions, efforts are being made to educate families on fuel conservation and clean cooking practices. For example, in Peru, studies have shown that teaching families to use pressure cookers and solar water heaters reduced their daily energy consumption, improving both health outcomes and fuel efficiency.

Cooking with gas stoves poses significant health risks, particularly for women and children, due to the release of pollutants like nitrogen dioxide. However, by improving kitchen ventilation, switching to electric or induction stoves, and adopting cleaner cooking practices, families can reduce their exposure to these harmful pollutants and protect their health.