Alert! The Dangers of Gas Stoves are the Equivalent of Cigarette Smoke

JAKARTA – Daily use of a gas stove turns out to be as dangerous as cigarette smoke. This was revealed by research by Professor Rob Jackson from Stanford University who published his research in Environmental Science and Technology.

His research shows that the volatile substances released by gas stoves can be more dangerous in comparison cigarette smoke . These worrying findings have sparked a wider discussion regarding the safety of gas stoves in the home.

Essanews reported, Friday (26/4/2024) that a research team led by Jackson found that gas stoves released large amounts of benzene, a dangerous chemical known to increase the risk of leukemia and other blood cancers. The benzene levels produced by gas stoves can exceed the benzene levels produced in environments affected by cigarette smoke or forest fires.

The impact of this discovery was quite large, so that Jackson immediately removed the gas stove from his house. The realization of daily exposure to increasing levels of pollution in his home motivated this decision. This researcher’s personal actions underscore the urgent need for awareness and change in the way we think about household appliances.

This research also highlights that benzene production is not limited to obvious sources such as cigarette smoke or environmental fires, but can also come from everyday activities such as cooking. An examination of 87 homes in California and Colorado found that around 30% of homes had higher benzene levels due to the use of gas stoves than passive smoking.

Impact on home security

This problem not only affects the kitchen, but also affects the entire house. Research shows that benzene is not just limited to cooking areas; The virus spreads throughout the house, settling in bedrooms and other living spaces, especially in poorly ventilated environments. The study found that neither stove age nor brand had a significant impact on benzene emissions.

Read Also: Exposure to Cigarette Smoke Triggers a Number of Terrifying Diseases

However, the report shows that while effective ventilation can reduce exposure, not all systems are able to do their job, with some systems recirculating polluted air back into the home.

These findings are particularly important for movements focused on eliminating gas installations from buildings. Despite resistance from the fossil fuel industry, evidence shows that electric and induction cooktops are much safer because they produce much lower levels of benzene, if any at all. Previous research has linked the use of gas stoves to respiratory problems, including a high proportion of asthma cases in children in the US.

MG/Maulana Kusumadewa Iskandar

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