Gas Stove Pollution Lingers in Homes for Hours Even outside the Kitchen
Gas Stove Pollution Lingers in Homes for Hours Even outside the Kitchen Scientific American
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Gas Stove Emissions
May 3, 2024 | 4 min read
Gas stoves spew nitrogen dioxide at levels that frequently exceed those that are deemed safe by health organizations.
Sustainable Development Goals and Indoor Air Pollution
Nearly 40 percent of U.S. homes have gas stoves, which spew a host of compounds that are harmful to breathe, such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter, benzenes, and high quantities of nitrogen dioxide.
The Impact of Nitrogen Dioxide on Health
Decades of well-established research have linked nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which especially affect children and older adults. This harmful link is so well established that some states have begun banning gas appliances in new construction.
New Study Reveals the Spread of Nitrogen Dioxide in Homes
A new study has shown in stark detail just how long and far nitrogen dioxide spreads and lingers in a home. By sampling homes across the U.S., the researchers found that in many, levels of exposure to NO2 can soar above the World Health Organization’s one-hour exposure limit for multiple hours—even in the bedroom that is farthest from the kitchen.
Impact on Health and Sustainable Development Goals
The concentrations of NO2 measured from stoves led to dangerous levels down the hall in bedrooms and they stayed elevated for hours at a time. That was the biggest surprise for me,” says Rob Jackson, a sustainability researcher at Stanford University and senior author of the study.
Reducing Exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide
The researchers collected real-world data on NO2 concentrations before, during, and after the use of gas and propane stoves in houses and apartments in various locations. They found that those living in smaller homes or with lower incomes were being regularly exposed to levels of NO2 at or far exceeding the WHO’s threshold for chronic exposure.
Recommendations for Improving Indoor Air Quality
- Swap out a gas or propane stove for an electric one.
- Turn on the range hood every time you cook with gas.
- Open windows while cooking, if weather permits and outside air is not polluted.
- Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air purifiers with carbon prefilters to filter out indoor pollutants.
Conclusion
As we spend more of our lives indoors, it becomes increasingly important to pay attention to the quality of the indoor air we breathe. Our outdoor air is getting cleaner, but we have ignored indoor air pollution in considering the risk for people in this country.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
- Indicator 3.9.2: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, and lack of hygiene (exposure to hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination).
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SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) in cities (population weighted).
Analysis
The article highlights the harmful effects of gas stoves on indoor air quality and the associated health risks. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The issue of indoor air pollution from gas stoves is directly connected to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all. The harmful compounds emitted by gas stoves, such as nitrogen dioxide, can lead to respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
2. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
The specific target under SDG 3 that can be identified is Target 3.9, which focuses on reducing deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air pollution. Gas stoves contribute to indoor air pollution, which can have adverse health effects.
3. Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
The article mentions the harmful effects of nitrogen dioxide emitted by gas stoves on respiratory health. This aligns with Indicator 3.9.1, which measures the mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The issue of indoor air pollution from gas stoves is also connected to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities. The article highlights the need to pay attention to air quality in cities.
5. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
The specific target under SDG 11 that can be identified is Target 11.6, which aims to reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities, including air quality. Gas stoves contribute to indoor air pollution in urban areas.
6. Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) in cities (population weighted).
While the article does not specifically mention fine particulate matter (PM2.5), it highlights the issue of indoor air pollution caused by gas stoves. This aligns with Indicator 11.6.2, which measures the annual mean levels of fine particulate matter in cities.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. Indicator 3.9.2: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, and lack of hygiene (exposure to hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination). |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) in cities (population weighted). |
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Fuente: scientificamerican.com
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