‘No safe amount of exposure’ to gas stove pollution

People living in U.S. households with gas and propane stoves may regularly breathe in unsafe levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

May 14, 2024—People living in U.S. households with gas and propane stoves may regularly breathe in unsafe levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), according to a new study co-authored by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Kari Nadeau.

Study reveals the impact of gas stoves on indoor air pollution and health consequences

The study, published May 3 in Science Advances, is the first to estimate NO2 exposure from gas stoves nationally and across demographic groups, according to the researchers. It’s also the first to quantify gas stoves’ impact on childhood asthma.

The researchers directly measured NO2 emissions from gas stoves in more than 100 households across the U.S. They used these measurements, along with an indoor air quality model, existing epidemiological evidence on the health risks of NO2, and survey data on housing characteristics and occupant behavior, to estimate the indoor air pollution and health consequences of gas stoves.

Significant findings on NO2 exposure and health disparities

1. The study found that Americans living in homes with gas stoves are exposed to NO2 at levels higher than what the World Health Organization and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency deem safe.
2. People living in small homes (less than 800 square feet in size) face quadruple the long-term NO2 exposure than people living in large homes (more than 3,000 square feet in size).
3. Compared to the national average, NO2 exposure from gas stoves is 60% higher in American Indian and Alaska Native households and 20% higher in Black and Hispanic/Latino households.

Impact on childhood asthma

The study also found that 50,000 current cases of childhood asthma can be traced to NO2 exposure from gas stoves—though Nadeau, John Rock Professor of Climate and Population Studies and chair of the Department of Environmental Health, called that number “conservative” in a May 3 WBUR article. If other pollutants from gas stoves, such as carbon monoxide, were factored in, “the full impact may be closer to 200,000 cases [of childhood asthma],” she said.

Other health consequences of NO2 exposure

• NO2 exposure can exacerbate or cause new cases of asthma.
• NO2 exposure is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, preterm birth, and diabetes.

Importance of addressing gas stove pollution

“There really is no safe amount of exposure to these toxicants produced by gas or propane, or any fossil fuel, outside or inside,” Nadeau said in a May 3 New York Times article.

References:

1. Nitrogen dioxide exposure, health outcomes, and associated demographic disparities due to gas and propane combustion by U.S. stoves
2. Study links gas stoves to 50,000 current cases of childhood asthma
3. Gas Stove Pollution Risk Is Greatest in Smaller Homes, Study Finds

Photo: iStock/FotoCuisinette

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The article highlights the health consequences of NO2 exposure from gas stoves, including exacerbating or causing new cases of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, preterm birth, and diabetes. This directly relates to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article discusses the adverse impact of gas stoves on indoor air quality, particularly in smaller homes. This connects to SDG 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

SDG 13: Climate Action

The article mentions the harmful emissions from gas stoves, contributing to air pollution and climate change. This aligns with SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

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 highlights the hazardous NO2 exposure from gas stoves, which can lead to various health issues. Target 3.9 specifically addresses reducing deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution and hazardous chemicals.

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 emphasizes the impact of gas stoves on indoor air quality, particularly in smaller homes. Target 11.6 focuses on reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities, including improving air quality.

Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning

The article raises awareness about the harmful emissions from gas stoves and their contribution to climate change. Target 13.3 aims to improve education and awareness on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• NO2 exposure levels from gas stoves: This indicator can be used to assess the extent of hazardous air pollution caused by gas stoves, contributing to Target 3.9.
• NO2 exposure levels in different demographic groups: This indicator can help identify disparities in exposure and inform targeted interventions to improve air quality, aligning with Target 11.6.
• Number of childhood asthma cases attributed to NO2 exposure from gas stoves: This indicator reflects the impact of gas stoves on health outcomes and can be used to monitor progress towards Target 13.3.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Fuente: hsph.harvard.edu

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