A new study published in the journal Science reveals the alarming effects of gas and propane stoves on indoor air quality in households across the United States. According to the research, exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves poses significant health risks to tens of thousands of Americans.

The study, conducted by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Stanford University, highlights that gas and propane stoves significantly increase exposure to nitrogen dioxide in homes. Breathing air with high concentrations of this pollutant can irritate the respiratory system and worsen respiratory diseases such as asthma. It can also increase vulnerability to respiratory infections.

Disturbingly, the study found that people using gas stoves reach 75% of the suggested annual limit for nitrogen dioxide set by the World Health Organization. In contrast, electric stoves were found to emit zero nitrogen dioxide. This information raises concerns for the nearly 50 million households in the US that currently have a gas or propane stove, as it indicates a widespread risk of exposure to this harmful pollutant.

Further analysis demonstrates that individuals living in smaller residences, below 800 square feet, are exposed to four times more nitrogen dioxide than those residing in larger spaces above 3,000 square feet. This disparity in exposure by housing size correlates with income and racial disparities, suggesting that disadvantaged communities are at a higher risk for negative health effects.

The researchers found that American Indian, Black, and Hispanic individuals experience nitrogen dioxide exposure levels that surpass the World Health Organization's benchmark, solely due to gas stove usage. Specifically, American Indian individuals face exposure levels 60% higher than average, while Black and Hispanic individuals face exposure levels 20% higher.

Surprisingly, the negative impact of nitrogen dioxide exposure is not limited to those who spend the most time cooking or in the kitchen. In fact, concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in bedrooms exceeded the World Health Organization's 1-hour exposure guideline within just 25 minutes of cooking, indicating the swift and alarming movement of this pollutant throughout homes.

The study estimates that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves is responsible for approximately 50,000 cases of pediatric asthma in the US. When factoring in other toxins produced by gas stoves and short-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide, the number rises to around 200,000 cases. Additionally, an estimated 19,000 premature deaths may be attributed to long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves.

Experts emphasize the importance of minimizing gas stove usage and suggest various measures to reduce emissions. Cooking for shorter periods with lower heat can help decrease pollution. For those unable to replace their stoves, using an induction cooktop for certain cooking tasks is recommended. Furthermore, keeping the cooking space well-ventilated, with fresh air circulating every few hours, is crucial in mitigating nitrogen dioxide exposure.

The findings of this study underscore the need for better regulation and awareness of indoor air quality. As most individuals spend the majority of their time indoors, actions must be taken to improve the air people breathe on a daily basis. The research calls for urgent attention to the pervasive issue of gas stove emissions, particularly in disadvantaged communities where the health risks are most pronounced.