In the US, millions are exposed to unacceptable levels of nitrogen dioxide due to gas stoves, with disadvantaged communities bearing a disproportionate risk.

Millions in the US are exposed to hazardous levels of nitrogen dioxide due to gas stoves, with disadvantaged communities experiencing a higher risk.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established guidelines on the allowable levels of exposure to different pollutants in the air. A recent study, published in Science on Friday, found that people reach 75% of the recommended annual limit for nitrogen dioxide exposure just by using a gas stove. Electric stoves, contrary, do not release any nitrogen dioxide.

Nitrogen dioxide can irritate the respiratory system if inhaled in high concentrations. Short-term exposure can worsen respiratory diseases, while prolonged inhalation can lead to conditions like asthma and higher susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Dr. Kari Nadeau, the head of the environmental health department at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, commented on the research during a news conference. She stated, "As a human species, we were not meant to breathe in these toxicants."

In the United States, more than a third of households own a gas or propane stove, according to data from the US Energy Information Administration. The levels of exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves vary based on factors like the size of one's home, ventilation, and cooking patterns. This means that disadvantaged communities are particularly vulnerable.

In homes with less than 800 square feet, residents are four times more exposed to nitrogen dioxide than those living in homes with over 3,000 square feet. This disparity is related to historical and ongoing discrimination, which disproportionately affects low-income and racial or ethnic minority groups.

Exposure to nitrogen dioxide from a gas stove doesn't only affect those who spend most of their time cooking or in the kitchen. In fact, the researchers found that highly polluted bedrooms reached the WHO's 1-hour exposure guideline within 25 minutes of cooking.

"The pollution is quick to reach our bedrooms and lingers there for hours. The cook bears the greatest burden, but everyone in the home is in danger," Jackson said during the news briefing.

The research was carried out by measuring nitrogen dioxide concentrations and emissions in over 100 homes across 5 states. When combined with national demographic data, the findings projected the potential health effects across the entire US population. The study estimates that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves contributes to about 50,000 pediatric asthma cases and 19,000 premature deaths. When adding other toxins emitted by the gas stove flames, these figures reach 200,000 cases of pediatric asthma and 19,000 deaths.

To reduce the risk of exposure to nitrogen dioxide, the researchers advise shortening cooking times and using lower heat settings. Replacing gas stoves with induction cooktops is an alternative for those who can't afford a new stove. Proper ventilation is also critical to ensure fresh air circulates through the house every few hours.

According to Jackson, "Most of our time is spent indoors, so it's crucial to clean up the air we breathe. The Environmental Protection Agency isn't sensitive to the quality of indoor air, so we need to take matters into our own hands."

The findings underscore the need for increasing indoor air quality awareness. Proactively addressing this issue can substantially improve public health.

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Some more details for expansion: You can include more specifics about the cooks bearing the greatest burden of exposure to nitrogen dioxide. The health impacts of breathing in nitrogen dioxide are significant and it is shared within the home rather than only affecting the cook. The study provides details on indoor and outdoor air pollution's interactions with each other. Additionally, the study also includes information about expensive alternatives to reduce emissions like replacing stoves or installing highly efficient rooftop solar panels and heat pumps.
Prompt: What are the risks of using gas stoves, and how can you reduce them?
Other tags: Indoor Air Quality, Gas Stoves, Respiratory Diseases, Health Disparities