An article was published in Sun-News on June 19, titled “Beware the Orange Flame.” It noted an occasional problem with a natural gas flame turning orange when the humidity was high, and advised people to call the Las Cruces Utilities office if this occurs. But the real story here is that any time natural gas is burned, it emits serious pollutants, be it that orange flame or that beautiful blue flame we all love.
“Cooking with gas” means these pollutants are being emitted directly into your home and into the air you breathe! Pollutants from gas stoves include nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. Even in low concentrations, these toxic gases can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, causing coughing and shortness of breath, fatigue or even nausea. Exposure over time can lead to chronic bronchitis or asthma, and other health problems.
The American Medical Association recently released a proposal that recognized the link between gas stoves, indoor air pollution, and serious respiratory illnesses. They are now committed to raising awareness among physicians, health professionals and the public that cooking with gas increases the risk of serious respiratory problems, especially in children.
The link between childhood asthma and living in a home with a gas stove has been known for years. A comprehensive study in 2013 found that children living in homes with gas stoves had a 42% higher risk of experiencing asthma symptoms, and over their lifetime, a 24% increased risk of being diagnosed with asthma.
Nitrogen dioxide is regulated by the EPA and levels above 100 parts per billion are not considered safe for people to breathe. While outdoor air pollution is monitored and regulated, there is no regulation of indoor air pollution. This is strange because the EPA’s own study indicates that air pollution inside our homes is often two to five times higher than outside levels! Boiling a pot of water on your gas stove puts nitrogen dioxide in your home over safe limits! If there is no effective stove hood outside, this toxic gas will remain in your home for hours, posing a serious health risk to anyone who breathes the air.
Other health effects of exposure to nitrogen dioxide include susceptibility to lung infections, a weakened immune system, and even heart or neurological issues. Recent studies also indicate that this pollutant is associated with a greater risk for heart disease, Alzheimer’s and premature death.
If you have a gas stove, make sure its hood is directly over the stove that faces the outside. And always turn on the vents when you use your stove.
If your gas stove isn’t outdoors, your best options are: (1) install a hood that faces outdoors, or (2) replace your gas stove with an electric or induction range. Either of these options will give you a lot more energy efficiency than a gas stove, not to mention better indoor air quality. And if you like the controls of a gas stove, you’ll be even more impressed with induction cooking.
As a Realtor, I feel obligated to tell people about this important health issue. We are indebted to ourselves and our families for having a healthy and safe home environment!
Renee Frank is an ecobroker with certification in the energy efficient and environmentally responsible features of real estate. He can be contacted at [email protected]
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