Gas stoves linked to childhood asthma cases, study finds

Gas stoves are likely giving some children asthma, a study says. Nitrogen dioxide, which forms when natural gas is burned, can irritate airways and worsen breathing problems.

Gas stoves, found in more than 40 million U.S. homes, are likely giving some children asthma, new research suggests.

A study published Friday suggests that around 50,000 current cases of pediatric asthma in the U.S. are linked to long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas and propane stoves. 

Nitrogen dioxide forms when natural gas is burned at high temperatures. It is known to irritate airways and worsen existing respiratory problems. Previous studies have also linked long-term exposure to new cases of asthma and chronic lung disease.

The new study, which researchers at Stanford University published in the journal Science Advances, suggests that the average yearly exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas and propane stoves in U.S. homes may be close to the World Health Organization’s limit.

To reach those conclusions, the researchers measured nitrogen dioxide inside more than 100 U.S. kitchens while stoves were on and monitored how nitrogen dioxide spread to other rooms after the stoves were turned off. They accounted for various scenarios like windows being open or shut, burners on low versus high, and range hoods being on or off. 

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-health/gas-stoves-linked-childhood-asthma-study-rcna150241

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