(Commonwealth News Service) The health risks associated with gas-burning stoves have caused a recent stir and unfounded fears of a government ban on the appliances, but researchers say those risks have been well-documented for decades.
Gas stoves are known to emit nitrogen dioxide and without proper ventilation, studies have shown indoor air pollution can worsen causing respiratory illnesses like asthma.
A recent study found 13 percent of childhood asthma cases are attributable to gas stove exposure. John Levy, Sc.D - public health professor and chair of the Department of Environmental Health at the Boston University School of Public Health - said the structure of a home will determine the risks.
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"For many people, things like gas stoves could actually be their highest source of air pollution exposure," said Levy. "That itself is important."
Levy said operating a range hood that vents outside or even opening windows makes a big difference. Without proper ventilation, standards of exposure to nitrogen oxides from gas-burning stoves can be exceeded within just a few minutes.
Gas stoves are used in more than one third of homes nationwide, but not every household can easily swap out their appliances, especially renters and low-income households - where the majority of asthmatic children live.
Levy said studies have shown that improved ventilation in these homes pays for itself when it comes to asthma-related healthcare costs.
"And so if we're thinking about folks who maybe are on MassHealth or on Medicaid," said Levy, "this actually could be a wise government investment to try to reduce healthcare costs and health burdens."
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in 2021, offers homeowners tax incentives for swapping out gas-stoves for electric induction versions - as well as other less energy-efficient appliances.
Levy said he would like to see the renewed focus on gas-stoves help improve building codes, especially in low-income housing developments.
