Gas stoves are a staple in many kitchens, valued for their efficiency and precise temperature control. However, health experts, including a leading doctor, emphasize the need for proper ventilation when cooking with gas. Without adequate airflow, gas stoves can release harmful pollutants that pose risks to respiratory health.

Pulmonologist and critical care physician Ooi Hean explained on Facebook that gas stoves emit harmful, invisible gases such as benzene and nitrogen dioxide when ignited.

The WHO classifies benzene as a Group 1 carcinogen linked to leukemia, while nitrogen dioxide has been associated with asthma, chest pain, and respiratory diseases, he noted.

Hean highlighted research indicating that benzene levels from gas stove combustion can sometimes exceed those found in secondhand cigarette smoke.

A U.S. study on benzene exposure among 6.3 million individuals found that those frequently exposed to gas stove emissions without ventilation had a higher leukemia rate, leading to an estimated 16 to 69 additional cases per year.

The study found that children's lifetime cancer risk from gas stove exposure was 1.85 times higher than that of adults in similar conditions due to their still-developing bodies.

Additionally, findings showed that benzene levels in kitchens could increase and spread throughout the home if a kitchen hood was not used and windows remained closed.

Hean referenced another study indicating that children living in homes with gas stoves face a 42% higher risk of asthma than those in gas-free households. Children in multifamily residences exposed to nitrogen dioxide from gas cooking were more likely to experience respiratory issues like wheezing and shortness of breath.

Each 20 parts per billion increase in nitrogen dioxide exposure further raised the likelihood of developing such symptoms.

While studies have raised concerns about gas stove usage, they were primarily based on risk simulations and projections rather than definitive cause-and-effect findings. While the studies indicate a carcinogenic risk, they don’t conclusively prove that gas stoves directly cause disease, Hean explained.

Nonetheless, awareness of confirmed carcinogens like benzene is crucial, and maintaining proper ventilation when using gas stoves is recommended.

Hean advised using high-efficiency range hoods to improve air quality.

Additionally, opening nearby windows and using an electric fan can enhance air circulation, potentially reducing gas stove emissions by four to ten times.

For a healthier indoor environment, Hean suggested switching to electric stoves, which do not produce combustion pollutants and are particularly beneficial for smaller homes.

Why Ventilation Matters

When gas burns, it produces substances like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter. These pollutants can worsen indoor air quality, leading to breathing difficulties, especially for individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Long-term exposure may increase the risk of cardiovascular issues and other health complications.

How to Improve Air Quality in Your Kitchen

To minimize health risks, experts recommend using range hoods or ventilation fans whenever cooking with gas. A properly functioning hood helps capture pollutants and direct them outside, reducing indoor contamination. Opening windows and doors can also enhance airflow, further improving air quality.

Making Ventilation a Habit

Using ventilation systems consistently can make a significant difference in maintaining a healthier home environment. Homeowners should ensure their range hoods are clean and functioning properly. If a range hood is not an option, portable air purifiers with HEPA filters can help reduce airborne pollutants.

As more research highlights the effects of indoor air pollution, prioritizing ventilation when using gas stoves is essential. A few simple changes can go a long way in protecting the health and well-being of everyone in the household. Homeowners are urged to assess their kitchen ventilation systems and take small steps to reduce indoor air risks.

References:

1. World Health Organization. WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: household fuel combustion. World Health Organization, 2014.
   https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Hlk0DgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Ensuring+Safe+Air+Quality:+The+Importance+of+Cooking+Hoods+and+Ventilation+with+Gas+Stoves&ots=LjnGhfJ4HH&sig=jJzolkIEMEy5dmJcJewxORWeRMo&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
   

2. Chen, Shou-Wang, Chao-Yen Chang, and Ying-Chieh Chan. "Assessing the impact of kitchen hoods and ventilation openings on indoor air quality post-cooking." Journal of Building Engineering 100 (2025): 111721.
   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352710224032893

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Mradula U Naik/MSM)