Let’s clean the air.
A benzene, a harmful chemical, which is found in gasoline, cigarette smoke and paintry, is a well -known carcinogen. Long -term exposure to high benzene levels is associated with leukemia and other blood -related cancers.
A new study at Stanford University reports that the risk of cancer caused by benzole are significantly higher for children in homes with medium to high use of gas stoves and inadequate ventilation.
Long -term exposure to high benzene levels is associated with leukemia and other blood -related cancers. Alex shares/Peopleimages.com – Stock.Adobe.com
“Natural gas and propane stoves emit benzene, a known carcinogen by combustion,” the researchers explained in the coming July issue of the magazine for dangerous materials.
“To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first study to evaluate the carcinogenic health risks of benzene during the burning of gas from stoves, as well as cases of leukemia due to the use of a gas stove.”
For the study, researchers simulate different cooking scenarios, including different burner intensities and oven temperatures with minimal or no ventilation.
When there is no ventilation, the benzene exposure in kitchens and living rooms is highest in smaller apartments, followed by homes, homes attached and torn homes, researchers have found.
“Particularly concerned were the increased risks in the bedrooms, where people usually spend the most time,” they wrote.
Their analysis also suggests that the risk of cancer of children from exposure to a gas stove is 1.85 times higher than adults.
Gas stoves have nourished the heated debate about health and environmental concerns and government excessive with restrictions or prohibitions. Ghetto images
Researchers noted that children usually breathe faster and absorb more air – and therefore more pollutants – than their lower body size.
“Because there is no safe limit for the carcinogenic effects of benzene, it is crucial to further evaluate the health risks associated with these effects,” the study said.
Ventilation plays a key role in reducing the concentrations of benzene researchers recommends opening windows and using quality outdoor hoods. Housing owners can also switch to electric stoves.
“The study emphasizes the importance of addressing combustion pollutants to protect public health, especially in households with limited ventilation,” the study authors wrote.
This kitchen can use windows to help clear the air from the stove. Imagenet – Stock.Adobe.com
Gas stoves have fallen under fire in recent years as studies suggest that they have emitted pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene and formaldehyde, which can cause asthma and potentially increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
The stoves have nourished heated debates about health and environmental concerns and government excessive with restrictions or prohibitions.
In January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that “defended the freedom of the American people to choose from various goods and appliances”, including gas stoves.
The order followed a rule for irrigation by the Biden administration, requiring some gas and electric stoves to be more efficient.
Benzole levels have been compared in different rooms for a new Stanford survey. Garg et al., Magazine for Dangerous Materials, 2025.
Other restrictions had more teeth. In 2023, New York became the first state to ban the installation of new gas stoves in most new homes and buildings. It will enter into force in 2026 for buildings under seven stories and in 2029 for larger structures.
NYC also has a ban on natural gas in new buildings – the ordinance was upheld in the federal court in March.
Meanwhile, studies on the potential effects of gas stoves continue. About 38% of US households or approximately 40 million homes have these appliances.
Stanford scientists say 6.3 million Americans are exposed to the top 5 % highest benzol gas stoves.
They measure emissions in 87 homes in 14 counties in Colorado and California for the 2023 study.