Can gas stoves make you sick?

You may have seen some recent news articles about the US government potentially banning the use of gas ranges and wondered if the same thing could happen in Australia. While these types of stove tops have been the go-to for professional chefs and home cooks alike, studies show they could be detrimental to your health. Gas ranges affect the air quality in the home and may even lead to childhood asthma.

Even well-maintained gas stoves release dangerous gasses, including a greenhouse gas called methane (CH4), even when they’re not turned on. In a 2022 study, researchers found that natural gas stoves they tested released methane and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the air. The NO2 released from a gas stove can reach high levels in just minutes. 

This isn’t news, though. There have been many studies over the last 40 years on how gas stoves release toxins into the air. The pollution released from these appliances would be illegal for outdoor appliances, but the air quality from indoor gas stoves isn’t regulated.

Research has shown that 21 different hazardous air pollutants (volatile organic compounds or VOCs) are released into the air by gas stoves and other gas appliances in the home. Being exposed to VOCs can raise your risk of developing asthma, cancer, and more.

Kids are particularly vulnerable. An analysis of studies found that kids that live in a home with gas stoves are more likely to develop asthma. If the child already has asthma, then the NO2 released from the stove could make the child’s wheezing worse.

Other health problems that can result from exposure to NO2 include coughing, difficulty breathing, and susceptibility to respiratory infections in both children and adults.

The best way to stay safe is to get an electric stove. Now, we know you probably can’t run out and buy an electric stove to replace your gas stove right away. Until then, there are some things you can do to make your home safer:

• Use an air purifier, like the Philips Series 1000.
• Keep your home well-ventilated. Open windows and use your stove’s exhaust fan.
• Use electric appliances whenever you can. Use an electric kettle to heat water. Use your microwave to heat up food instead of your oven. Use your pressure cooker to make family meals. You get the idea.
• Use air quality monitors to keep track of the air quality in your home.