Stanford study reveals gas stoves emit harmful benzene, rivaling tobacco smoke

Professor Rob Jackson of Stanford University recently removed his apartment's gas stove after discovering its potential hazards. His research, published in Environmental Science & Technology, revealed that volatile substances emitted by gas stoves could be more harmful than tobacco smoke. This alarming finding has sparked a broader discussion about the safety of gas stoves in homes.

Led by Jackson, the research team uncovered that gas stoves release significant amounts of benzene, a dangerous chemical known to increase the risk of leukemia and other blood cancers. This revelation is particularly concerning given that the benzene levels produced by gas stoves can surpass those found in environments affected by cigarette smoke or forest fires.

The implications of these findings were profound enough to prompt Jackson to immediately eliminate the gas stove from his home. In interviews, he shared how the realization of daily exposure to rising pollution levels within his own home motivated this decision. The researcher's personal action underscores the urgent need for awareness and change in how we think about our household appliances.

Moreover, the study highlighted that benzene production isn't restricted to obvious sources like tobacco smoke or environmental fires but can also stem from everyday activities like cooking. An examination of 87 homes in California and Colorado found that about 30% had higher benzene levels from gas stove use than passive smokers would typically encounter.

The issue extends beyond the kitchen, affecting entire homes. The research indicated that benzene doesn't stay confined to cooking areas; it diffuses throughout homes, lingering in bedrooms and other living spaces, particularly in poorly ventilated environments. The study found that neither the age nor the stove brand significantly impacted benzene emissions. However, it pointed out that while effective ventilation could reduce exposure, not all systems are up to the task, with some recirculating polluted air back into the home.

These findings are crucial for movements focused on removing gas installations from buildings. Though met with resistance from the fossil fuel industry, the evidence suggests that electric and induction stoves are significantly safer, emitting drastically lower levels of benzene, if any. Previous research has already linked gas stove usage to respiratory issues, including a substantial percentage of childhood asthma cases in the USA.