A recent study published in Science Advances reveals that the use of gas stoves leads to increased exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), surpassing public health recommendations. The report highlights that individuals from marginalized communities, particularly people of color and low-income residents, bear a disproportionate burden of this harmful pollutant. The findings raise concerns about the impact on respiratory health, with NO2 exacerbating conditions such as asthma.

The study, conducted by researchers at Stanford University, indicates that indoor gas and propane appliances elevate levels of NO2 to 75% of the World Health Organization's standard for indoor and outdoor exposure. This means that even if individuals avoid external sources of nitrogen dioxide, such as traffic exhaust or power plants, cooking with a gas stove alone can result in significant exposure.

Lead author of the study, Yannai Kashtan, who is a PhD candidate at Stanford University, emphasized the direct burning of fossil fuels within homes when using a gas stove. While ventilation can provide some relief, it is not a foolproof solution. Kashtan emphasized the need to reduce pollution at its source as the most effective strategy.

Nitrogen dioxide is known to irritate the airways and worsen respiratory conditions. The researchers estimate that chronic exposure to NO2 from stovetop cooking contributes to approximately 50,000 cases of pediatric asthma in the United States each year. The study also revealed that pollution from gas stoves rapidly spreads throughout homes, reaching bedrooms within an hour of use and maintaining dangerous levels for hours afterwards.

The research highlights that not all households in the United States encounter the same level of NO2 exposure. Approximately 38% of households in the country use gas stoves, with smaller residences experiencing four times the chronic exposure rate compared to larger homes. The study thus sheds light on the impact of housing size on pollutant exposure.

Furthermore, the findings underscore the unequal distribution of NO2 exposure based on race and socioeconomic status. American Indians and Alaska Natives face 60% more NO2 exposure from gas and propane stoves compared to the national average, while Black and Latino or Hispanic households are exposed to 20% more. Moreover, individuals residing in households making less than $10,000 a year breathe in NO2 at rates double those of households earning over $150,000.

Professor Rob Jackson, co-author of the study and an expert in Earth system science at Stanford, stressed the importance of considering the cumulative effects of daily cooking events over weeks and months, rather than analyzing exposure from a single instance. He also noted the crucial role of this study in drawing attention to indoor air quality, particularly in homes, where people spend the majority of their time.

The study further raises concerns about the reliance on gas stoves for heating during colder months among those struggling with utility bills. The use of stoves and ovens as heat sources is not only inefficient and costly but also exposes individuals to higher levels of NO2 for extended periods.

In response to the study's findings, some cities across the United States are implementing measures to phase out gas stoves in new homes, as these appliances also emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Advocacy groups are advocating for wider adoption of electric stoves to mitigate the negative health and environmental impacts of gas stoves.

Individuals like Dorris Bishop in Washington DC's River Terrace neighborhood have taken action after learning about their elevated NO2 levels. Bishop has joined a waitlist to exchange her gas stove for an electric alternative and hopes that the report's findings will prompt the use of electric stoves in all new homes.

As policymakers and environmental advocates navigate the implications of this study, it is evident that addressing the public health concerns associated with gas stoves requires concerted efforts to ensure equitable access to clean indoor air across all communities.