While factors such as dust, smoke, mold, radon, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials and everyday household items can compromise indoor air quality, emissions from gas stoves also contribute significantly. The variety of pollutants released by gas stoves has sparked discussion of potential bans on these appliances in governmental forums over the years.
Despite the ongoing debates, gas stoves remain legal, and over a third of households in the U.S. still use them. If you find yourself among this group, what actions can you take? We consulted experts to shed light on the chemicals emitted by gas stoves, the associated health risks, and practical steps to enhance your indoor air quality.
What chemicals do gas stoves release?
The pollutants emitted by your gas stove depend largely on the type of gas being used. “Most residences with gas appliances utilize natural gas provided by their utility company. Natural gas mainly comprises methane and may also contain smaller quantities of ethane, propane, butane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and hydrogen sulfide,” explains Bill Hayes, PE, air quality program coordinator at Boulder County’s Public Health Department.
Since methane lacks an odor, a chemical called mercaptan is added to provide the familiar rotten-egg scent, alerting residents in case of a gas leak. “Any other contaminants present in the gas that flows into our homes, including benzene1, can also escape from gas stoves,” notes Rob Jackson, PhD, a climate scientist at Stanford University and author of the book Into the Clear Blue Sky: The Path to Restoring Our Atmosphere.
“However, the pollutants produced during combustion—created in the flames when the stoves are in operation—are even more concerning [than the chemicals present in unburned natural gas],” Jackson emphasizes.
Hayes elaborates that when natural gas is combusted2, it produces combustion by-products, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, volatile organic compounds (such as benzene), particulate matter, and trace levels of sulfur dioxide and formaldehyde.
“Gas stoves in homes not connected to a utility’s natural gas supply typically use propane, a by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. As propane contains significantly fewer impurities than natural gas, its combustion by-products primarily include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water vapor,” Hayes continues.
This implies that gas stoves running on propane might present lower health risks compared to those utilizing natural gas, although the majority of gas stoves in the U.S. are powered by natural gas.
“One of our most surprising findings was that pollutant concentrations we measured from gas and propane stoves lead to dangerous levels for hours even after stoves are off—not just in kitchens but in bedrooms down the hall.” —Rob Jackson, PhD, climate scientist
Health risks associated with cooking on a gas stove
If the extensive list of chemicals generated by gas stoves (both before and after combustion) hasn’t already raised alarms regarding personal health, the existing research pertaining to
them might.
1. Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) disrupts the blood’s ability to absorb oxygen. “When carbon monoxide concentrations become excessive, the body substitutes the oxygen in red blood cells for carbon monoxide, which can lead to serious tissue injury or even fatality,” Hayes explains.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), CO levels in homes lacking gas stoves generally range from 0.5 to five parts per million (ppm), while those with well-regulated and maintained gas stoves typically read between five and 15 ppm. However, residences with poorly adjusted or maintained gas stoves may see levels of 30 ppm or more. Nevertheless, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that most individuals won’t experience detrimental symptoms arising from CO exposure—such as headache, nausea, and fatigue—until concentrations reach between 70 and 150 ppm.
2. Carbon Dioxide and Methane
While carbon dioxide and methane from gas stoves pose less of a direct risk to human health, they are potent greenhouse gases that significantly contribute to climate change, which ultimately impacts your health. Methane is especially effective in this capacity, possessing nearly 80 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide.
However, particulate matter (discussed next) is more concerning with regard to individual health effects.
3. Particulate Matter
“Particulate matter (PM), a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets, is the most significant form of indoor air pollution found in most households,” states Hayes. He elaborates that exposure to PM is linked to premature mortality in individuals with heart or lung ailments, heart-related incidents like heart attacks, irregular heart rhythms, aggravated asthma, and reduced lung function. These harmful effects are likely to impact children, seniors, and individuals with pre-existing heart or lung conditions. While cooking with gas inherently produces PM, the amount of smoke generated during the cooking process correlates with higher PM levels in the home.
4. Volatile Organic Compounds
Regarding health threats from VOCs (like benzene) emitted by gas stoves, Hayes mentions that this pollutant is invisible to the eye but can lead to headaches; coordination loss; nausea; irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage; and even cancer3.
The European Union has established a standard for ambient air quality for benzene at 5 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3), according to data from 2019. Physicians, Scientists, and Engineers for Healthy Energy (PSE) measured the average benzene emissions from gas and propane burners operating at high settings and ovens set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, with findings showing emissions ranging from 2.8 to 6.5 micrograms per minute (μg min–1). The dimensions of the home significantly determine whether these benzene emission levels could surpass the 5 μg/m3 standard.
World Health Organization (WHO) data5 similarly indicated that benzene emissions from kerosene-powered appliances can reach levels between 44 and 167 μg/m3, given that kerosene is less refined than natural gas, resulting in more impurities and contaminants.
5. Nitrous Oxides (Nitrogen Dioxide)
Nitrous oxides may pose considerable negative implications. They are not only almost 300 times as potent as carbon dioxide in terms of greenhouse gas effects, but they also carry severe health risks, particularly nitrogen dioxide. “Extensive research has demonstrated that nitrogen dioxide induces asthma, making it uncontroversial to assert that nitrogen dioxide from our stoves contributes to asthma as well,” Jackson notes.
Studies have indeed directly linked gas stove exposure to asthma cases. A May 2024 study4 in Science Advances concluded that approximately 50,000 instances of childhood asthma can be linked to long-term nitrogen dioxide exposure resulting from gas stoves. Additionally, it highlighted that the size of the home is crucial; residents of houses 800 square feet or smaller experienced four times the nitrogen dioxide exposure compared to those in homes larger than 3,000 square feet.
Meanwhile, aA recent 2023 study8 published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggested that 12.7 percent of childhood asthma cases in the U.S. are linked to the use of gas stoves. Meanwhile, a 2023 report from the European Public Health Alliance estimated that over 700,000 children in the European Union suffer from asthma symptoms related to cooking with gas appliances.
Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has yet to establish a standard for indoor nitrous oxide levels, the long-term outdoor exposure limit is set at 53 parts per billion (ppb). In Canada, the short-term indoor nitrogen dioxide limit is 90 ppb. Data from the Rocky Mountain Institute indicates that the emissions from gas stoves differ based on the cooking activity:
- Baking a cake: 230 ppb
- Roasting meat: 296 ppb
- Frying bacon: 104 ppb
- Boiling water: 184 ppb
However, evidence suggests that even minimal exposure can threaten health. A 2014 study published in Epidemiology revealed that each increase of 5 ppb in nitrogen dioxide over a 6 ppm threshold significantly worsens asthma severity. In contrast, a 2013 meta-analysis14 found a 15 percent rise in wheezing in children for every additional 15 ppb of nitrogen dioxide exposure.
This information, mainly focused on childhood asthma, applies to everyone in the household, including adults and pets.
The persistence of gases emitted by gas stoves
A Stanford study9, partially led by Jackson, indicated that gas ranges in poorly ventilated areas can exceed the national nitrogen dioxide standard within minutes of operation, particularly in smaller kitchens.
Furthermore, the research found that all 53 homes with gas stoves involved in the study had methane leaks—even when the stoves were not in use. Notably, over 75 percent of methane emissions occurred when the burners were off, regardless of the stove’s age or make.
However, Hayes stated, “if properly installed and maintained, very little to no natural gas should leak from a gas cooktop when the burner is off.” To minimize the risk of leaks, routine professional inspections and cleaning of every stove component at least once a year are crucial, although guidance can differ based on the model. Following this maintenance routine is also advisable if the stove is malfunctioning or producing unusual sounds.
“One of our most surprising findings was that pollutant concentrations we measured from gas and propane stoves led to dangerous levels for hours, even after stoves are off—not just in kitchens but in bedrooms down the hall,” Jackson mentioned regarding the Stanford study. Indeed, a June 2023 research10 published in Environmental Science and Technology confirmed that benzene levels from gas stove usage remained dangerously high for hours post-operation, affecting both the kitchen and adjacent areas.
Certain pollutants can become trapped on fabrics11—notably particulate matter, with minute amounts being re-released during fabric movement. Other gaseous pollutants, however, are less likely to persist in this manner. “Gaseous pollutants like nitrogen oxides, methane, and VOCs will dissipate and exit the home. The duration for this depends on the house’s sealing effectiveness and the ventilation system in place,” Hayes explained.
Three methods to reduce the health risks of gas stove cooking
If you have a gas stove in your residence, these statistics might be alarming. However, there are several steps you can take to lower the health risks associated with this appliance.
1. Ensure adequate ventilation
When using a gas stove, turn on the range hood ventilation—making sure it’s fully operational. “Research shows that fewer than a third of people use their hoods12 and many hoods only modestly reduce pollution levels,” stated Jackson.
To maximize ventilation efficiency, ensure that your range hood is routinely serviced and vents to the outdoors. “Many homes have range hoods that re-circulate air without proper filtration back into the kitchen.”These filters are designed to capture larger aerosol particles, though they do not eliminate nitrogen oxides or other gases. “To function properly, these filters require regular cleaning or replacement,” notes Hayes.
In an ideal scenario, it’s recommended to perform a thorough cleaning of the kitchen hood every three months and to replace the filters every three to six months, depending on the specific model and make.
If your kitchen lacks a hood ventilation system that vents out captured particles (or if it’s not well maintained), there are alternative methods for kitchen ventilation. Hayes advises opening windows, using a HEPA filter, or even setting up a box fan. However, most of these options (with the exception of the HEPA filter) primarily remove particulate matter (PM) and, to a limited extent, some volatile organic compounds (VOCs). “They do not eliminate nitrogen oxides or other gases,” he emphasizes. The main advantage of these strategies is the influx of fresh air into the environment, which can help lower pollutant concentration.
Since pollutants can remain at elevated levels for several hours, it’s best to keep an air purifier or box fan running for at least one to two hours post-cooking. While many individuals choose to operate HEPA filters continuously in their homes, which is ideal, it is not essential to change clothes after cooking, even though particulate matter can cling to fabrics. However, it may be wise to avoid cooking large meals in pajamas that you plan to wear to bed later.
2. Explore alternative cooking methods
Another option is to reduce the use of the stovetop or select recipes that require less cooking on it. This might involve boiling water using an electric kettle to minimize gas usage or utilizing gas-free kitchen appliances like rice cookers, slow cookers, multi-cookers, or air fryers.
“Nevertheless, the only definitive way to eliminate indoor nitrogen oxide pollution is to replace your gas stove with an induction or electric stove,” Jackson explains. Though this can entail significant expense, the [Inflation Reduction Act](https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/inflation-reduction-act-and-new-electric-appliance-rebates-a3460144904/%5C) provides rebates and financial assistance for switching from gas to electric appliances in your home.
“And you don’t necessarily have to completely replace your cooktop. Portable, single-burner induction cooktops are affordable and perfect for preparing single-pan meals,” adds Hayes.
3. Cook smarter with gas
As highlighted in the nitrogen dioxide data provided, certain recipes produce more indoor pollutants than others. It is beneficial to limit the usage of high-emission cooking techniques. This includes longer-baking recipes such as cakes, roasts, and stews. Additionally, frying—especially deep-frying—on the stovetop uses more gas and typically generates higher particle levels due to the cooking process.
Opting for quick-cooking recipes like pasta, stir-fries, egg dishes, oatmeal, and grilled sandwiches is an excellent way to reduce gas consumption, and consequently, pollution from gas stoves.
Image Source: New Africa / Shutterstock
