CNET reports that two troubling studies on a common fuel used by homes in the kitchen appear to have sparked debate over whether the US government should issue a ban on gas stoves. .
Specifically, the 16-month study by the TH School of Public Health, Harvard University last June sampled 69 household gas stoves supplied by three natural gas companies across Boston. .
The unburnt methane test detected more than 300 chemicals, including 21 toxic, in the air. Notably, benzene (a carcinogen), in low concentrations , was found in 95% of the natural gas that the team tested and evaluated.
According to research, 5% of stoves in the test leaked gas even when not in use.
In addition, according to the study , 5% of the stoves in the test leaked gas even when not in use. This gas leak is often so small that a person’s nose doesn’t even notice it, but can still pose a potential health threat.
Meanwhile, a study in January this year in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health concluded that up to 12.7% of asthma cases in US children are related to kitchen use. household gas. Rates are even higher in some states such as Illinois (21.1%), California (20.1%) and New York (18.8%).
According to CNET, it should be noted that these studies only show the potential danger to humans when using gas stoves using natural gas.
They do not measure exposure to the hazardous substances mentioned or draw any conclusions as to how low levels of exposure to such hazardous substances will affect human health. by the time.
Therefore, it is still too early to make sweeping statements about the health risks of using gas stoves.
Gas stoves are still popular products with affordable prices.
Meanwhile, the American Gas Association countered that gas stoves are still the preferred and affordable product of more than a third of households in the US. The US government’s ban on the use of gas stoves will make housing costs more expensive.
This is one of the best measures to combat the danger of gas leaks. You should also open the window while cooking. If your kitchen doesn’t have a window, consider adding a fan in the kitchen, which will help disperse harmful dense air. It is recommended to let the fan run for another 20 minutes after you finish using the gas stove, because at this time benzene and carbon monoxide can still be left in the air.
If you see any signs of a gas leak, leave the house and call for help.
Keep an eye on your gas stove, especially if you smell gas in the kitchen. When you see signs of a gas leak, leave the house and call professional services for assistance.
If you want to check for gas leaks yourself, you can get a detector for about on Amazon.
This is the surest fix, but it can also be the most expensive solution. In addition, cooking with a stove or a stove using propane (liquefied petroleum gas) can still have a negative effect, because burned food and oil both release toxins into the air.
The risks of using an electric stove are much lower than using a gas stove, but it is still important to keep your kitchen well-ventilated and regularly check the air quality.