Gas stoves emit unsafe levels of nitrogen dioxide
Gas stoves emit unsafe levels of nitrogen dioxide Earth.com
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The Hazards of Gas Stoves: A Report on Indoor Air Pollution
In many American homes, the familiar hiss of a gas stove ignites more than just family meals – it sparks a series of health concerns due to the emission of nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
Recent research highlights the significant impact this gas can have on indoor air quality, revealing that even bedrooms can become saturated with harmful levels of pollutants shortly after cooking, and these levels can linger for hours.
“I didn’t expect to see pollutant concentrations breach health benchmarks in bedrooms within an hour of gas stove use, and stay there for hours after the stove is turned off,” noted Professor Rob Jackson, a senior researcher at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.
This revelation confirms that the issue extends beyond the kitchen, affecting the air quality throughout the entire home.
Health risks of gas stoves and nitrogen dioxide exposure
The health implications of prolonged exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves are severe and multifaceted. Consistent inhalation of NO2 can exacerbate asthma symptoms, hinder lung development in children, and even contribute to premature mortality.
The study, which also included insights from researchers at the Central California Asthma Collaborative, PSE Healthy Energy, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, estimates that up to 200,000 cases of childhood asthma may be linked to gas stove emissions. A significant portion of these asthma cases are directly attributable to nitrogen dioxide.
Quantifying nitrogen dioxide exposure levels
Study lead author Yannai Kashtan, a PhD student specializing in Earth System Science, pointed out that the quantity of gas used during cooking is the predominant factor influencing NO2 exposure levels in homes.
Kashtan noted that the effectiveness and usage of range hoods play crucial roles in mitigating exposure. “We found that just how much gas you burn in your stove is by far the biggest factor affecting how much you’re exposed. And then, after that, do you have an effective range hood – and do you use it?”
Mortality rates associated with NO2 exposure
The research team employed advanced sensors and modeling techniques to measure and analyze NO2 levels in over 100 homes of varying sizes and layouts.
The findings indicate that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide in homes with gas stoves may cause thousands of deaths each year – comparable to the mortality rates associated with secondhand smoke.
“Assuming that meta-analyses of outdoor NO2 and all-cause adult mortality may be applied to long-term exposure to indoor NO2, our analysis suggests that long-term NO2 exposure from gas and propane stoves in the United States may be responsible for up to 19,000 deaths annually,” wrote the researchers.
Nationwide consequences of indoor air pollution
On a broader scale, the typical use of propane or gas stoves in the U.S. is likely to increase household NO2 levels significantly, nearly reaching unsafe limits set by the World Health Organization for outdoor air.
“That’s excluding all outdoor sources combined, so it makes it much more likely you’re going to exceed the limit,” said Kashtan, highlighting the gravity of indoor pollution.
Socioeconomic and demographic disparities
The study also sheds light on disparities in NO2 exposure based on household size and demographic factors. Smaller homes, often less than 800 square feet, and those in poorer or minority communities face disproportionately higher levels of indoor pollution.
“People in poorer communities can’t always afford to change their appliances, or perhaps they rent and can’t replace appliances because they don’t own them,” noted Jackson. This issue is compounded in smaller homes, where residents breathe in more pollution for the same amount of stove use.
Cleaner home energy solutions
This research not only advances our understanding of indoor air pollution from gas stoves but also emphasizes the need for effective ventilation and perhaps a reconsideration of fuel sources in homes.
Electric stoves, for instance, offer a cleaner alternative, emitting no NO2 or other harmful pollutants like benzene.
“It’s the fuel, not the food. Electric stoves emit no nitrogen dioxide or benzene. If you own a gas or propane stove, you need to reduce pollutant exposures using ventilation,” said Jackson.
The findings from this comprehensive study illustrate the critical need for awareness and action in addressing indoor air pollution. They also call for a reassessment of household energy choices to safeguard public health, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The research is published in the journal Science Advances.
Like what you read? 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 |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services | Indicator 7.1.2: Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology |
| 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) |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the health risks associated with exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emitted from gas stoves. Prolonged exposure to NO2 can exacerbate asthma symptoms, hinder lung development in children, and contribute to premature mortality. The article also mentions that up to 200,000 cases of childhood asthma may be linked to gas stove emissions, with a significant portion attributable to nitrogen dioxide.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
The article highlights the need for cleaner home energy solutions as a way to mitigate indoor air pollution from gas stoves. It suggests that electric stoves offer a cleaner alternative, emitting no nitrogen dioxide or other harmful pollutants.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article mentions that the typical use of propane or gas stoves in the U.S. can significantly increase household nitrogen dioxide levels, potentially reaching unsafe limits set by the World Health Organization for outdoor air. This highlights the importance of addressing indoor air pollution and paying attention to air quality in cities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
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 article discusses the health risks associated with exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves, including asthma exacerbation, hindered lung development in children, and premature mortality. Achieving this target would involve reducing the number of deaths and illnesses caused by indoor air pollution from gas stoves.
Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services
The article suggests that electric stoves offer a cleaner alternative to gas stoves, emphasizing the need for effective ventilation and a reconsideration of fuel sources in homes. Achieving this target would involve promoting the use of cleaner and more sustainable energy sources for cooking.
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 article highlights the adverse impact of indoor air pollution from gas stoves on air quality in homes and cities. Achieving this target would involve addressing indoor air pollution and implementing measures to improve air quality in urban areas.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution
The article mentions that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide in homes with gas stoves may cause thousands of deaths each year, comparable to the mortality rates associated with secondhand smoke. This indicator can be used to measure progress in reducing the mortality rate attributed to indoor air pollution from gas stoves.
Indicator 7.1.2: Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology
The article suggests that electric stoves offer a cleaner alternative to gas stoves, emitting no nitrogen dioxide or other harmful pollutants. This indicator can be used to measure progress in increasing the proportion of the population using clean fuels and technologies for cooking.
Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) in cities (population-weighted)
Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, the adverse impact of indoor air pollution from gas stoves on air quality in cities implies the need to monitor and measure fine particulate matter levels. This indicator can be used to assess progress in reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality.
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 |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services | Indicator 7.1.2: Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology |
| 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: earth.com
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