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Gas furnaces affect the air quality inside and outside your home, exposing you to asthma and other diseases.
I have discussed health in previous blog posts The effects of outdoor air pollution And How to reduce health risks Reducing your exposure. More evidence suggests that we should also think about our indoor air quality, and studies suggest that gas stoves can be harmful.
If you have a gas fireplace, as many people do, understanding the issues and taking a few steps can help protect your family. These measures help improve outdoor air quality.
Gas stoves are linked to childhood asthma
Cooking with gas stoves It creates nitrogen dioxide And more airborne particles, known as PM2.5, are both lung irritants. Nitrogen dioxide has been linked to childhood asthma. In 2019 only, About two million new cases of childhood asthma worldwide It is thought to be due to nitrogen dioxide pollution.
They are children who live in families that use gas stoves for cooking 42% more prone to asthma, based on the analysis of audience research. Although studies have not proven that cooking with gas is a direct cause of asthma, evidence shows that higher levels of nitrogen dioxide worsen asthma symptoms in children and adults.
Cooking and baking with gas appliances can be provided A large amount of nitrogen dioxide. A recent study published by Stanford researchers calculated nitrogen dioxide emissions from some gas burners or stoves. It rose above the standard set outside the house In a few minutes, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Currently, the EPA has not set any standards for safe levels in the home.
As of 2011 Massachusetts Medical Association and the American Medical Association are trying to raise clinical and public awareness of these risks. However, much of the information is still surprising to many.
Gas stoves leak even when turned off
A Stanford study tested gas stoves in 53 homes. All stoves leak methane gas even when turned on. These emissions equaled 76% of total methane emissions. Both methane and nitrogen dioxide contribute to air pollution by forming underground ozone and smog. So is methane. A major greenhouse gas and exacerbates climate change. In particular, in this study, neither methane nor nitrogen dioxide emissions are related to the age or the price of the gas stove.
Toxic chemicals in gas stoves and pipes
What’s more, according to research from Harvard’s TH Chan School of Public Health and PSE Healthy Energy, gas appliances are also Bringing other toxic chemicals into the home. The researchers collected unflared gas from furnaces and building pipelines in the greater Boston area. We analyzed them and identified 21 different ones. Dangerous air pollution They are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). For example, benzene, hexane and toluene are present in the tested gas samples. Exposure to certain VOCs increases the risk of asthma, cancer, and other diseases.
How can you keep your family healthy if you have a gas stove?
Including these, you can take steps to reduce your health risks from indoor pollution.
Ventilate your kitchen while cooking
- Open your windows while cooking.
- Use exhaust fans that move the air outside. Although this contributes to outdoor pollution, the high volume of air in confined spaces reduces exposure to healthy air. (Ductless fans that circulate the smoke through filters will not work as well.)
Use air purifiers
Although they don’t remove all dirt, air purifiers can improve indoor air. Choose an air purifier One that has a high clean air transfer rate (CADR) that matches the size of your room. Air purifiers are easy to move, so have them near the kitchen during the day and take them to the bedroom when you sleep. Remember to replace the filters when they are dirty.
Switch to electric appliances for cooking
Cost, hustle and environmental considerations may guide your choices. The production of new equipment consumes natural resources, and old equipment often ends up in landfills. Here are a few options to consider
- Use an electric kettle instead of boiling water on the range.
- Cook in an electric slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, toaster oven or microwave.
- Replace the gas stove with an electric stove. Look at these Tips for making this switch and b Reusable items. If you are a Massachusetts resident, you may qualify for $500. Discount from Mass Save Switching from gas to induction stove this year. (Other states may offer similar incentives.)
Electrical appliances are not dependent on methane gas, but can use renewable clean energy sources because the switch also helps the environment. And finally, taking action to combat climate change means taking action for a healthy planet and for you.
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