The Environmental and Health Risks of Indoor Gas Stoves
Gas stoves have long been popular in American kitchens because of their responsive heat control and cooking performance. However, research has raised concerns about the health and environmental effects of burning natural gas indoors. These concerns have led scientists, public health experts, policymakers, and consumers to reconsider the role of gas stoves.
The Push for Regulation
In early 2023, a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) commissioner discussed the possibility of regulating gas stoves because of potential health risks. The CPSC did not propose a nationwide ban, but the comments sparked significant political debate.
In June 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act, which sought to prevent the CPSC from using federal funds to ban gas stoves or impose certain regulations that could effectively prohibit their sale.
At the state and local levels, some governments have adopted restrictions on natural gas connections in new construction. New York, for example, enacted legislation requiring most new buildings to use zero-emission heating systems. The rules do not ban existing gas stoves in homes.
Health Concerns
When gas burns, it can release pollutants including nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde.
Research from Stanford University found that gas and propane stoves can raise indoor NO₂ levels significantly, particularly in smaller homes and homes with inadequate ventilation.
NO₂ can irritate the respiratory system and worsen asthma. Research has also found an association between gas-stove use and childhood asthma. One meta-analysis estimated that about 12.7% of childhood asthma cases in the United States could be attributable to gas-stove use, although this is an estimate based on population-level research and does not mean that every child living with a gas stove faces the same risk.
What Can You Do?
If you use a gas stove, you can reduce exposure by:
• Using a range hood that vents outdoors while cooking
• Opening windows or improving ventilation when appropriate
• Using an air purifier to reduce particulate pollution
• Considering an electric or induction stove when replacing your appliance
• Using electric appliances such as toaster ovens, slow cookers, or electric kettles when practical
Induction and electric stoves do not produce combustion pollutants such as NO₂ or carbon monoxide during cooking.
The Bottom Line
The evidence suggests that gas stoves can contribute to indoor air pollution, particularly when ventilation is poor. You do not necessarily need to replace your gas stove immediately, but good ventilation is important. If you are purchasing a new stove, induction and electric models offer alternatives that eliminate combustion-related indoor pollutants.
Sources:
Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, Climate and Health Impacts of Natural Gas Stoves
https://sustainability.stanford.edu/news/climate-and-health-impacts-natural-gas-stoves
Stanford Report, People with gas and propane stoves breathe more unhealthy nitrogen dioxide
Congress.gov, Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act, H.R. 1615
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1615
New York State Assembly, Building Electrification Requirements
https://www.assembly.ny.gov/write/upload/member_files/076/pdfs/20230629_0106636.pdf
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