Gas Stoves vs. Busy Roads: Which Creates More Pollution in the Kitchen? - Pawonation

• EXPLORE FURTHER: Specialists argue that the advantages of wood-burning stoves have been 'underappreciated'

If your kitchen still has a gas stove, a recent study indicates you might want to reconsider its use. switch now to a fashionable alternative .

Using a gas-stove for cooking generates more harmful airborne pollutants compared to the well-known congested streets of Marylebone Road in Central London. London According to experts at Which?,

Gas stoves emit two hazardous pollutants: nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and PM2.5 — tiny particulates measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller in size.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can cause inflammation of the airways and worsen pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, whereas particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) can penetrate deep into the lungs and subsequently enter the circulatory system, accumulating in the heart, brain, and other vital organs.

"It’s startling to consider that something as ordinary as preparing a meal can lead to the emission of hazardous contaminants within our very living spaces," stated Emily Seymour, who works as the energy and sustainability editor at Which?.

However, our brief study indicates that when air pollution surges, it can quickly disseminate throughout the home and persist for extended durations.

Rather than opting for a gas stove, experts recommend using a popular induction cooktop, featuring warm copper coils underneath a smooth glass top.

Induction cooktops are safer compared to gas since they release fewer pollutants and do not have open flames involved. However, completely renovating your kitchen with one might set you back several hundred pounds. .

In their study carried out last November, Which? provided air quality monitors to five participants—four who use gas stovetops and one with an induction hob.

The concentrations of NO2 and PM2.5 were recorded in micrograms (which is one-millionth of a gram) per cubic meter of air (µg/m3).

In the kitchen, NO2 specifically originates from the burning of natural gas coming out of a gas stove, whereas PM2.5 particles stem from the process of cooking food in a pan.

Participants had to perform multiple cooking tasks throughout a week while utilizing extractor hoods, alongside their regular use.

They were instructed to keep all windows and doors closed, except for one instance where they completely vented the kitchen as part of a testing situation.

In the meantime, scientists collected data on air pollution from London’s Marylebone Road at the same time in November.

On average, they documented concentrations of 33 µg/m³ for NO₂ and 14 µg/m³ for PM2.5, with these pollutants primarily originating from vehicular traffic.

When compared, almost every volunteer utilizing a gas stove encountered multiple instances where PM2.5 levels exceeded 100µg/m³.

Risks Associated with NO2 and PM2.5

NO2 and PM2.5 are typically regarded as two of the most harmful air pollutants, affecting both indoor and outdoor environments.

Health professionals indicate that NO2 plays a role in children developing asthma and can worsen various respiratory issues in both kids and grown-ups.

In the meantime, PM2.5 particles can penetrate deeply into the respiratory system, making their way to the lungs and entering the bloodstream to affect every organ in the body.

At these points, they can initiate alterations associated with various conditions like Parkinson’s, diabetes, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease, as well as effects on reproductive and fetal health, according to Which?.

When one volunteer was frying Padron peppers, they encountered a high concentration of PM2.5 particles reaching almost 650 µg/m³. Another individual faced similar levels around 600 µg/m³ during the process of frying both peppers and tomatoes. Additionally, two volunteers recorded peaks nearing 500 µg/m³ while preparing a full English breakfast with fried items.

All of these significantly surpass the 24-hour average guideline threshold set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for PM2.5 particulate matter (15µg/m3).

In the meantime, NO2 levels increased when using a gas stove; in some instances, they surpassed 60µg/m³ during prolonged simmering with only one burner lit, even with the fan on.

Not surprisingly, the greater the use of the gas stove and the higher the number of burners utilized, the higher the levels of NO2 found in the nearby atmosphere.

After NO2 levels surged, Which? discovered that they stayed high for extended durations – frequently lasting multiple hours.

Once the volunteers relocated the air monitors to an adjacent space (or the main living area if their residence featured an open-plan design), it became evident that airborne pollutants had disseminated throughout the dwelling quickly.

It was also discovered that opening windows while cooking decreased PM2.5 levels when compared to having them shut.

This implies that maintaining proper ventilation at home is crucial for defending against air pollution – though this might not be feasible during colder months.

In an alternative situation, Which? instructed all participants to cook food in oil for 10 minutes, ensuring that every window along with any exterior doors remained open throughout the cooking process and for an additional 10-minute period post-cooking.

In this instance, PM2.5 levels increased significantly less compared to all the other cooking situations.

The highest peak achieved by the five participants averaged at 27µg/m3, with the second-lowest average from any of the frying scenarios tested by Which? being 100µg/m3.

Furthermore, according to Which? surveys, there is a notable lack of awareness regarding indoor air pollution among people.

According to a survey of 2,002 UK adults regarding air pollution, just 25 percent of individuals using gas stoves and 18 percent with electric stoves expressed concerns over potential effects on their health.

It also highlights that considerable uncertainties remain regarding the effects of air pollution on human health.

People continuously transition through various combinations of chemicals originating from multiple sources — including diesel engine emissions, wood smoke, cooking supplies, and cleaning agents.

"We haven't yet fully grasped the extent of how indoor pollutants affect our well-being, but if this is a concern for you, improving ventilation with your exhaust fan and by opening windows can significantly help," stated Seymour.

'When you plan to replace your gas hob, think about opting for an induction hob instead.'

The six common air contaminants known for their detrimental effects on both human health and the environment have been pinpointed.

The Environmental Protection Agency states that six key contaminants can affect human health and wellbeing.

The EPA refers to these contaminants as "criteria" air pollutants since they regulate them by establishing standards based on both human health and environmental factors to determine acceptable limits.

Particulate matter : Particulate matter refers to a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets present in the atmosphere.

These particles vary greatly in size and form and can consist of numerous distinct chemical compounds.

Certain emissions originate directly from sources like construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, or fires.

Tiny particulates (2.5 micrograms per cubic meter) are primarily responsible for decreased clarity (haze) in various regions across the United States, affecting numerous beloved national parks and wilderness zones.

Carbon monoxide : Inhaling air with elevated levels of carbon monoxide decreases the capacity for oxygen transport in the bloodstream to vital organs such as the heart and brain.

Extremely high concentrations of carbon monoxide, achievable both inside buildings and in other confined spaces, may lead to symptoms such as lightheadedness, disorientation, loss of consciousness, and even fatality.

Nitrogen dioxide : Nitrogen dioxide mainly enters the atmosphere through the combustion of fuel.

It originates from exhaust fumes produced by vehicles such as cars, trucks, and buses, as well as from power plants and machinery operating outdoors.

Exposure to air containing a significant amount of nitrogen oxide (NO) can cause irritation in the human respiratory tract. Short-term exposure to this environment may worsen respiratory conditions, notably asthma, resulting in symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or breathlessness.

Sulfur dioxide : The primary contributor to atmospheric sulfur dioxide is the combustion of fossil fuels at power stations and various industrial sites.

Brief encounters with sulfur dioxide can damage the human respiratory system and cause breathing difficulties. Individuals such as children, the elderly, and people with asthma are especially susceptible to the impacts of sulfur dioxide.

Ground-level ozone : The ozone layer located in the lower part of the stratosphere, roughly between 12 to 19 miles altitude from Earth's surface (or about 20 to 30 kilometers).

Even though ozone shields us from ultraviolet rays, it can lead to health issues for susceptible individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma when present near the Earth's surface.

It is formed through chemical processes involving oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), which are present in exhaust emissions, when these react together in the presence of sunlight.

Lead : The primary sources of lead in the atmosphere include activities related to ore and metal processing as well as the operation of piston-engined aircraft using lead-containing aviation gasoline.

Alternative sources include waste incineration plants, utility facilities, and producers of lead-acid batteries. Lead air concentrations tend to be at their peak around areas close to lead smelting operations.

Based on the degree of exposure, lead may negatively impact the nervous system, renal function, immune response, reproductive and developmental processes, as well as the cardiovascular system.

Babies and toddlers are particularly susceptible to the effects of even small amounts of lead exposure, which can result in behavioral issues, reduced cognitive abilities, and lower intelligence quotients.

Read more

Related Posts