Latest news with #gasstoves
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Homeowner stunned after testing kitchen appliance for hidden health risks: 'About 10x higher than the WHO guideline'
A YouTube video by Distilled (@distilled-earth), which revealed surprising data about gas stoves and their impact on indoor air quality, has people rethinking their kitchen appliances. The content creator documented his two-month experiment measuring nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in his home, showing dramatic spikes when using his gas stove and oven. In the video, the creator initially approached the gas stove debate skeptically but quickly changed his mind after collecting data. Using indoor air quality monitors throughout his home, he found NO2 levels spiking to about "three times the hourly guideline" set by the World Health Organization whenever he used his gas stove. Even more concerning, his daily average NO2 levels were "about 10 times higher than the WHO guideline" almost every day. Expert Josiah Kepner from Drexel University confirmed these findings, explaining that such high NO2 levels often "stay high for hours" after cooking. The health risks are significant. Research shows children living in homes with gas stoves have a much higher chance of developing asthma. According to Brady Seals, a researcher interviewed in the video, the asthma risk from gas cooking is "really similar to children's risk of asthma from exposure to secondhand smoke." Switching to induction cooking provides an easy solution to avoid these dangers. Modern induction stoves cook faster and more efficiently than gas and don't produce harmful indoor air pollutants. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, you can get up to 30% off the cost of a new induction range. For renters or those who can't afford a major kitchen renovation, plug-in induction burners starting at just $50 are an excellent alternative. Taking advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act sooner rather than later might be wise. While President Trump has said he wants to eliminate these subsidies to reduce federal spending, major changes to the IRA would require an act of Congress, making its future uncertain. Acting now could save you thousands. Commenters on YouTube were quick to share their experiences. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. One wrote, "It was always baffling to me how we need vents for combustion exhaust of water heaters and furnaces, but somehow not for a gas stove." Another commenter shared, "I'm getting gas disconnected from my home this week! I've been using a pair of portable induction stoves from IKEA to cook, until I get around to removing my gas cooktop and replacing it with induction." A former professional chef added, "I cooked with gas all my life at home and in professional kitchens... I adopted induction. I will never go back. It's almost more precise than the average cook would need." Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
News.com.au
11-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Common household appliance raises kids' cancer risk
A new study has revealed that a common household appliance increases the risk of cancer in children nearly twice as much as it does in adults. Benzene, a toxic substance present in petrol, cigarette smoke, and paint strippers, is recognised as a carcinogen, meaning it is a substance that can cause cancer. Prolonged exposure to elevated benzene levels has been associated with leukaemia and various blood cancers. Now, research from Stanford University has discovered that benzene-related cancer risks are significantly higher in children in homes with medium to high usage of gas stoves and inadequate ventilation. 'Natural gas and propane stoves emit benzene, a known carcinogen through combustion,' the authors of the study explained, according to The New York Post. The study is set to be released in the July issue of the Journal of Hazardous Materials. 'To our knowledge, ours is the first study to assess the carcinogenic health risks from benzene formed during gas combustion from stoves, as well as leukaemia cases attributable to gas stove use,' they continued. Researchers conducted simulations of various cooking scenarios that included different burner intensities and oven temperatures, with minimal or no ventilation. They found that when there is no ventilation, benzene exposure is highest in the kitchens and living rooms of smaller apartments, followed by manufactured homes, attached homes, and detached homes. The heightened risks in bedrooms were especially concerning, as this is where people usually spend the most time. Their analysis also indicated that children's cancer risk from gas stove exposure is 1.85 times greater than that of adults. The researchers noted that children typically have a faster breathing rate and inhale more air — consequently more pollutants — compared to their smaller body sizes. 'Since there is no safe limit for benzene's carcinogenic effects, it is crucial to further evaluate the health risks associated with these effects,' the study stated. Ventilation plays a crucial role in lowering benzene concentrations, so the researchers recommend opening windows and using high-quality outdoor vent hoods. Homeowners may also consider switching to electric stoves. 'The study underscores the importance of addressing combustion-related indoor air pollutants to protect public health, particularly in households with limited ventilation,' it explained. In recent years, gas stoves have faced criticism due to studies showing that they release pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene, and formaldehyde. These emissions may cause asthma and could elevate the risk of heart disease and other health issues. In Australia, there is no nationwide ban on gas stoves; however, some states have started to restrict or phase out gas connections in homes, partly due to environmental concerns and a push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the Victorian Government began phasing out new gas connections for new homes from January 2024, and the ACT did the same in December 2023. Currently about five million households in Australia use gas, with the most gas use in homes and small businesses being in Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT.
The Independent
08-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Warning issued for common appliance - found in two out of five homes - that increases cancer risk for children
Cancer risks from a harmful chemical are significantly higher, especially for children, in homes with medium to high gas stove usage and inadequate ventilation, according to a new Stanford University study. It's the first study to assess the carcinogenic health risks from benzene formed during gas combustion from stoves, as well as leukemia cases attributable to gas stove use, researchers claimed. The university evaluated population-level exposure of benzene, a known carcinogen, and associated health risks for 6.3 million U.S. residents exposed to the top five percent of highest benzene-emitting gas stoves. The results indicated that gas stove use can significantly elevate benzene concentrations, posing potential health risks in smaller dwellings. The risks are exacerbated in kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms, where people spend most of their time. The concentrations were highest in smaller apartments, followed by manufactured homes, attached homes and detached homes. Higher efficiency ventilation systems show a notable decrease in exposure when used. However, the best ventilation scenarios did not fully mitigate the carcinogenic health risks. To conduct the study, Sanford researchers simulated different cooking scenarios involving varying burner intensities and oven temperatures with minimal or no ventilation. Benzene is a harmful chemical often found in gasoline, cigarette smoke and paint strippers and has been linked to blood-related cancers and leukemia. The research indicates children's cancer risk from gas stove exposure is 1.85 times higher than adults. Researchers noted that children typically breathe in more air than their small body size. 'This study underscores the importance of effective ventilation and highlights the need for policies and strategies to mitigate benzene exposure from gas stoves, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children,' said researchers. 'While the short-term non-carcinogenic risks are not significant, the long-term carcinogenic health risks may cause public health concern, particularly for people with high gas stove usage and inadequate ventilation.' Strategies to mitigate benzene exposure include switching to electric stoves, enhancing ventilation and reducing outdoor benzene levels in areas with heavy traffic or industrial activity. Some efforts have been undertaken to limit the number of gas stoves, which are currently in about 40 percent of households. New York became the first state to ban the installation of new gas stoves in most new homes and buildings in 2023. The measure is due to take effect in 2026 for buildings smaller than seven stories and in 2029 for bigger buildings.
