Gas Stoves Emit 10 Million Nanocluster Aerosols, 10 Times More Than Busy Roadsides: Study
Gas stoves have been found to emit a staggering amount of harmful nanoparticles, surpassing the emissions of a gasoline-powered car’s tailpipe, according to a recent study conducted by researchers from Purdue University and Indiana University. These nanoparticles, also known as soot, are between one and three nanometers in size, making them small enough to infiltrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream. The study revealed that cooking a simple grilled cheese sandwich on a gas stove can expose residents to as many as 10 million nanocluster aerosols per cubic nanometer, compared to the approximately 1 million released by cars near a busy street.
The findings of this study come at a time when the US Consumer Product Safety Commission was considering banning gas stoves due to their potential health risks. Although the ban did not materialize, it sparked intense debate and became a political lightning rod. The California Air Resources Board has stated that exposure to millions of particulate matter pieces, even over short periods, can be harmful. Nanocluster aerosols have been linked to respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, as well as an increased risk of hospitalization for heart or lung-related causes. Furthermore, exposure to these nanoparticles has been associated with dementia and cognitive decline.
It is worth noting that more than one-third of homes in the US, approximately 47 million, have propane or natural gas stoves. Lead study author Brandon Boor, associate professor of civil engineering at Purdue, emphasized that combustion remains a significant source of air pollution both indoors and outdoors. The researchers conducted their study using an air quality system in a “tiny house” lab equipped with sensors to closely monitor the impact of everyday activities on air quality. They measured the number of nanocluster aerosol particles emitted by a propane stove and used computer models to estimate the amount of particles a person could inhale.
Within just 20 minutes of boiling water or cooking grilled cheese sandwiches or buttermilk pancakes on a gas stove, trillions of nanocluster aerosol particles were emitted. During this time, an adult could potentially inhale between 10 billion and one trillion of these particles, which is 10 to 100 times the amount of soot one would be exposed to by standing near a busy street for the same duration. The study focused solely on nanoparticles from gas stoves and cars, excluding other air pollutants like nitrogen oxide or carbon monoxide.
The researchers also discovered that nanocluster aerosols from gas stoves easily mix with larger particles released during cooking, such as butter or oil. Although the particle concentrations rise rapidly during cooking, reaching their peak after approximately 20 minutes, they dissipate quickly as well. The data suggests that the particles settle out of the air within 10 to 20 minutes, likely due to ventilation and their deposition onto surfaces.
Fortunately, there is a simple solution to reduce the concentration of these harmful particles. The study’s authors recommend turning on a vent fan whenever cooking on a gas stove. However, since most people do not use exhaust fans while cooking, the scientists suggest that kitchen hoods that activate automatically would be a logical solution. Moving forward, it is crucial to consider how to minimize exposure to all indoor air pollutants. Based on the new data, nanocluster aerosol should be recognized as a distinct category of air pollutant.
Although there was a proposed gas stove ban in 2023, no new federal regulations have been implemented regarding these home appliances due to public backlash. The difficulty in definitively linking gas stoves to diseases in humans has fueled the debate surrounding a potential ban. Some local governments, such as Berkeley, California, have attempted to introduce new rules based on research highlighting the high levels of indoor pollutants produced by gas stoves. However, a court overturned Berkeley’s ban last year. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed her intention to ban gas stoves from new buildings by 2030, but her reelection in 2026 may impact the realization of this plan.
In conclusion, the study’s findings shed light on the significant emissions of harmful nanoparticles from gas stoves, surpassing those of busy roadsides. The health risks associated with exposure to these nanocluster aerosols highlight the need for measures to reduce indoor air pollution. By using vent fans or installing automatic kitchen hoods, individuals can minimize their exposure to these harmful particles and safeguard their respiratory health. As the debate surrounding gas stove regulations continues, it is crucial to prioritize public health and explore ways to mitigate the impact of indoor air pollutants.
