Research has found that standing near a gas stove in the kitchen is just as dangerous as secondhand smoke. The study analyzed the risks of burning gas stoves and identified dangerous levels for health.
The research, recently published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, identified how benzene undergoes an increase in the combustion process. In summary, benzene emanates from the flames generated in the gas stove and circulates through the home environment where it can remain for a long time.
To perform the gas measurement, the researchers visited more than 80 North American homes and tracked emissions in different rooms of the home. Thus, it has been proven that using a gas stove in the kitchen and even other places, such as the bedroom, emits detectable benzene data. The numbers have always been above what is acceptable for the state of health.
The health hazards of the gas stove in the kitchen
The damage caused by exposure to the stove and chemical is likened to being in close proximity to a smoker when we passively inhale harmful cigarette smoke. Only one stovetop burner at 175°C emitted levels above secondhand tobacco smoke levels.
The data revealed that both indoor gas stoves and secondhand smoke can lead to people being exposed to harmful chemicals like benzene.
“Shortterm exposure to benzene suppresses production of blood cells, and chronic exposure to benzene increases the risk of leukemia and lymphoma.”
In the case of the stove, the concern is the increase of indoor gases over a long period of time. Likewise, indoor contact with cigarette smoke should be avoided at all costs due to the numerous chemical substances present in the composition of the cigarette.
According to the publication Gas and Propane Combustion from Stoves emits benzene and increases indoor air pollution.
The study points out that exposure to the stove does not necessarily cause health problems, but warns of the high gas levels people live with in their own homes and in everyday environments such as the kitchen.
But how do you avoid the health risks of gas stoves? Two simple tips are: avoid staying near the gas stove unless absolutely necessary and keep the windows open to ensure good ventilation of the area.
The orientation of the researchers was that the best solution was to use electric or induction cookers.