Gas stoves commonly utilized in households can release the harmful chemical benzene, which is linked to cancer, researchers from Stanford University have found. The quantity of benzene emitted from the gas-powered stoves could be even higher than secondhand cigarette smoke.

The study, published within the journal Environmental Science and Technology, assessed gas stoves in 87 households throughout California and Colorado. It was found that gas or propane stoves generated more benzene than their electronic alternatives.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns prolonged exposure to benzene can result in the event of blood cancer. Gas stoves have gained notoriety for potentially causing childhood health issues because of benzene leakage.

When the research team narrowed down the search to 17 homes with 33 different burners or ovens, they found turning the gas or propane burners to high heat or setting the ovens at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes increased the degrees of benzene within the kitchens.

About 29% of kitchen benzene emissions were even higher than the quantity of benzene inhaled during passive smoking. That is concerning since it means the benzene levels in those kitchens were really high and will potentially be dangerous for health.

Nonetheless, this does not imply that the consequences are equally harmful as secondhand smoking. Tobacco smoke comprises various other harmful substances similar to arsenic and formaldehyde, that are known carcinogens and may contribute to health issues.

“Benzene forms in flames and other high-temperature environments, similar to the flares present in oil fields and refineries. We now know that benzene also forms within the flames of gas stoves in our homes,” said Rob Jackson, senior writer and professor of earth sciences at Stanford University. “Good ventilation helps reduce pollutant concentrations, but we found that exhaust fans were often ineffective at eliminating benzene exposure.”

Listed here are some precautions you’ll be able to take to stop inhaling high levels of benzene:

• Ventilate your kitchen: Benzene exposure risks are far low in a low-exposure kitchen. Open your windows and use exhaust fans to rid the indoor space of the harmful pollutant gas.
• Use air purifier: Air purifiers can improve indoor air quality by reducing pollutants however it has its limitations. To decide on the best air purifier, consider the clean air delivery rate (CADR) and match it to your room size. You may move the air purifier around your house, placing it near the kitchen in the course of the day and moving it to the bedroom at night. Remember to interchange the filters once they get dirty for higher performance.
• Switch to electric appliances for cooking: Selecting energy-efficient electric appliances over gas-powered ones can assist reduce costs, minimize clutter and address environmental concerns by helping eliminate benzene.

Kitchens with a gas stove but no ventilation increase a toddler’s risk of asthma.
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Published by Medicaldaily.com