Gas stoves have been a hot topic in the news for homeowners recently. I've looked into the data just in case you've been wondering whether to keep your gas stove. According to a September 7, 2022 article published by Harvard Medical School, "Cooking with gas stoves creates nitrogen dioxide and releases additional tiny airborne particles known as PM2.5, both of which are lung irritants." The same article noted that almost two million cases of childhood asthma were linked to nitrogen dioxide in 2019 alone. The article cited research published in the International Journal of Epidemiology noting that children living in homes with gas stoves are 42% more likely to suffer from asthma. While there are currently no Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for safe indoor nitrogen dioxide levels, additional research from 2022 (Environmental Science & Technology) has shown that emissions from some gas burners and ovens rose about levels set as safe for the outdoors by the EPA.
According to a conversation we had with a representative of the City of Scottsdale Planning and Development Department, there are currently no restrictions on gas ranges in Scottsdale.
If you have a gas appliances in your home, there are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself and your family:
- Ventilate your kitchen while cooking by opening windows and/or using exhaust fans.
- Purchase an air filter for your home that has a high clean air delivery rate (CADR) matched to the size of your room
- Switch to electric appliances. If you're not ready to give up your electric range, try an electric tea kettle (we love ours), an electric slow cooker, electric toaster oven, pressure cooker, rice cooker, or microwave.
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