You may have heard that the government is coming for your gas stove. Well, it isn’t. Alex Hoehn-Saric, Chair of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has said in a statement: “I am not looking to ban gas stoves and the CPSC has no proceeding to do so.”
The health risks associated with gas stoves, however, have been known for decades. And two recent studies by scientists in California have produced findings that have reverberated all the way to Washington, D.C.
The studies concluded that gas stoves contribute to indoor pollution and are known to emit levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, and benzene, a carcinogen.
The American Gas Association (AGA) disputes the notion that gas stoves pose a health risk and call such assertions “reckless.” It said: “Any efforts to ban highly efficient natural gas stoves should raise alarm bells for the 187 million Americans who depend on this essential fuel every day.”
Some members of Congress have proposed a bill called the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act intended to block any government move to ban gas stoves.
In this article we’ll explore:
- Gas stoves and cancer
- Gas stoves and asthma
- Indoor pollutants and cancer risk
- How to lower indoor pollution and gas stove risk
If you’re experiencing cancer symptoms or have already been diagnosed and would like to get a second opinion, call us or chat online with a member of our team.
Gas stoves and cancer
Benzene is a liquid that converts to a gas when exposed to air. The gas is produced by a variety of sources, from cigarettes to car emissions to volcanoes and is used to make plastics and many household products.
“Benzene is a well-known human carcinogen,” says Michael Zgoda, MD, MBA, CPE, interventional pulmonologist at City of Hope® Cancer Center Phoenix. “Chronic exposure to benzene has been linked to leukemia, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It's also associated with other blood disorders, making it a critical indoor air quality concern.
Another Stanford University report says, even when idle, gas stoves may leak fuel and release benzene into the air. They also release high levels of benzene when lit, the study says.
“Gas and propane combustion in stoves and ovens releases benzene that migrates throughout the home, sometimes elevating concentrations above health benchmarks,” the report concludes.
The researchers also said, “a single gas cooktop burner on high or a gas oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit can raise indoor levels of the carcinogen benzene above those in secondhand tobacco smoke. Benzene also drifts throughout a home and lingers for hours in home air.”
Gas stoves and asthma
NO2 is a known respiratory irritant linked to asthma and other breathing conditions. NO2 forms when natural gas or other fuels are ignited. Gas stoves, fireplaces, heaters, cars, trucks and power plants all emit NO2. It can have an ammonia-like smell and may appear brown or yellow. Exposure to NO2 may cause wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing.
Researchers at Stanford University and have concluded that NO2 emissions from gas stoves may increase the risk of asthma or stunt lung development in children.
“The total number of current pediatric asthma cases attributable to pollution from gas and propane stoves is likely closer to 200,000,” they reported. “That number of cases is approximately 10 percent of pediatric asthma attributable to pollution from road traffic and corresponds with a societal cost of roughly $1 billion annually.”
Doctors in Australia have attributed 12 percent of the nation’s childhood asthma diagnoses to the use of gas stoves.
Indoor pollutants and cancer risk
It may be hard to tie an increased risk of cancer, asthma and other conditions to benzene and NO2 released by gas stoves when so many other pollutants are floating in indoor air.
“Indoor air quality plays a significant role in the development of both cancer and respiratory issues. Poor indoor air quality can be attributed to various pollutants, including tobacco smoke, radon, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter, which can have serious health implications,” says Dr. Zgoda.
“Indoor air pollutants can irritate the airways and exacerbate conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),” Dr. Zgoda adds. “Additionally, prolonged exposure to certain chemicals found in indoor environments, such as radon, formaldehyde, benzene and asbestos, has been associated with an increased risk of developing various types of cancer.”
Studies have linked indoor pollution to a variety of cancers, including:
Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors and, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), may be exposed to a variety of chemicals, toxins and carcinogens from everyday items or sources, including those listed below.
Tobacco smoke: Secondhand and even thirdhand smoke — the toxic residue left behind on surfaces or in the air after smoking or vaping — contains dozens of toxic substances. Secondhand smoke raises the risk of lung cancer and other cancers.
Building and furniture materials: They can release formaldehyde fumes over time. Formaldehyde is linked to throat cancer, sinus cancer and leukemia. Asbestos, found in a variety of building products, especially in older homes, is the leading cause of mesothelioma.
Consumer products: Household cleaners, pesticides and cosmetic products may produce harsh fumes.
Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves: Researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences have linked emissions from wood fireplaces to a moderate increase in breast cancer risk.
Mold: While not considered a carcinogen, it can produce mycotoxins, some of which have carcinogenic properties, Dr. Zgoda says. Mold exposure may lead to respiratory issues, allergic reactions and, in some cases, long-term lung conditions and serious health problems.
Radon: Emitted by decaying rocks, this gas can leak through cracks in foundations and basement floors.
“Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Long-term exposure to radon gas can lead to lung cancer, particularly in non-smokers, making it a significant concern in indoor environments,” Dr. Zgoda says. “Long-term exposure to radon gas can lead to lung cancer, particularly in non-smokers, making it a significant concern in indoor environments.”
How to lower gas stove risk
Ventilation is the answer to reducing gas stove emissions and other indoor pollutants.
“Improving indoor air quality can be achieved by regular ventilation, using air purifiers, eliminating the use of harmful chemicals, and testing for radon, among other measures. By taking these steps, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of respiratory issues and potentially lower their cancer risk,” Dr. Zgoda says. “Maintaining good indoor air quality is crucial for preventing respiratory problems and reducing cancer risk.”
But ventilating indoor air is often an ignored or inadequate solution for some homeowners. According to a National Institutes of Health report, many people don’t like and rarely use their range hoods or kitchen ventilation systems. In some cases, stove top vents simply recirculate the air back inside. Or systems may be blocked, preventing air from venting outside.
That’s what happened to Peter Baik, DO, FACOS, FACS, thoracic surgeon at City of Hope Cancer Centers Phoenix and Chicago. Dr. Baik’s volatile organic compound (VOC) monitor showed his home’s interior had poor air quality.
“The monitor was showing that the air quality was not good when we were using the stove, even with the hood vent on high,” he says. “But then we noticed that the vent could be the problem. When we took the hood apart, we saw the panel to outside hadn’t been removed. So, the hood that was supposed to vent wasn’t actually venting anything.”
After the hood was repaired, he said, “The air quality is good as long as the hood vent is on while using the stove.”
The EPA’s website offers a virtual interactive home tour where you can learn room-by-room of potential indoor pollution sources and how to mitigate them.
Dr. Zgoda and the EPA offer the following tips on how to reduce your exposure to indoor pollution.
Clean indoor air with portable air filters and/or high-quality central heater and air conditioning filters.
Fix water leaks and use a dehumidifier to control moisture and prevent mold.
Dust and vacuum regularly to help reduce particulate matter that can be inhaled.
Invest in monitors, such as a VOC, radon or carbon monoxide monitors, that can measure bad air quality or warn you of high unsafe levels. Take appropriate measures if your readings are high.
Prohibit smoking indoors to eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke, which is a significant source of indoor pollution.
Store chemicals like paints, solvents and cleaning products in tightly sealed containers, preferably in a garage or shed, away from living spaces.
Find air-purifying houseplants, like spider plants, peace lilies and snake plants, that help to absorb pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene.
Consider switching to an electric or induction stove if you are concerned about gas stove emissions.
“Following these steps and others, homeowners can significantly reduce indoor pollution and the associated health risks,” Dr. Zgoda says. “A clean, well-ventilated home environment not only promotes better respiratory health but also contributes to overall well-being.”
If you’re experiencing cancer symptoms or have already been diagnosed and would like to get a second opinion, call us or chat online with a member of our team.
