A groundbreaking study published in PNAS Nexus reveals that gas stoves are a major contributor to indoor air pollution. Unlike most gas appliances, stovetops typically lack direct outdoor ventilation, allowing nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions to accumulate inside our homes. This pollutant, a reddish-brown gas from burning fuel, is known to irritate airways and can seriously aggravate respiratory problems, especially asthma, according to the EPA. It also contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, or smog, impacting our broader environment.

For the average person using gas or propane stoves, these appliances account for about a quarter of their total NO2 exposure. However, for those who cook more frequently or for longer periods, indoor exposure from their stove can exceed half of their overall contact with this toxin. Researchers found that NO2 contributions from stoves are particularly high in cities with smaller living spaces, where pollutants have less room to disperse. This highlights a hidden danger many may not be aware of in their daily lives.

The good news is that there’s a clear solution: electric stoves. Since they don’t burn fuel, electric models emit no NO2. The study estimates that people using electric stoves experience, on average, 24 percent lower total residential NO2 exposure. This significant difference emphasizes why choosing electric appliances is a vital step for cleaner indoor air and better health. Leading health organizations like the American Medical Association and the American Public Health Association have also raised concerns about gas stove emissions, linking them to increased risks of childhood asthma and other public health issues.

Despite these findings, gas industry officials have questioned the research, stating it lacks new epidemiological evidence directly linking stoves to health outcomes. While the industry points to some studies, such as one in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, which reported no significant association with asthma, it's worth noting that the same study also indicated an increased risk of pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with gas use. Furthermore, reports from the Climate Investigations Center and National Public Radio reveal that the gas industry was aware of potential health impacts as early as the 1970s. This history, combined with the new scientific data, underscores the growing urgency to transition away from burning fossil fuels in our homes. Moving towards electrification offers not just immediate health benefits but also contributes to our collective efforts against global warming by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.