A recent study suggests that gas stoves might be releasing toxic chemicals, potentially at levels that could increase cancer risk. The focus is on benzene, a compound produced when natural gas or propane is burned, which has already been linked to higher cancer risks.
The research team from Stanford University analyzed benzene emissions from gas stoves in 87 homes. They also examined gas movement in a handful of locations and employed computer models to predict how benzene could spread.
In homes where stoves emitted more benzene and ventilation was poor, the associated cancer risks were found to be “significantly elevated.” This was especially concerning for children, whose lifetime risk increased nearly 1.85 times compared to adults.
“Natural gas and propane stoves release benzene, a known carcinogen through combustion,” the researchers noted in their paper. They emphasized that their study assesses population-level benzene exposure for the 6.3 million U.S. residents who use the highest-emitting gas stoves.
The data indicated that cancer risks were notably higher in smaller homes and apartments, as one might expect. Moreover, benzene could spread to bedrooms, which, given our time spent there, raises concerns.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers an acceptable cancer risk to be one in a million; meaning that among a million people exposed, one might expect one cancer case as a result. The findings revealed that for the worst gas stoves, the lifetime cancer risk from bedroom exposure was between 1.92 and 12.03 for children, and 0.94 to 5.89 for adults—far exceeding WHO’s acceptable levels.
It’s crucial to mention that these figures represent worst-case scenarios characterized by high benzene emissions and minimal ventilation. They highlight potential risks, especially for children, who have lower body weights and faster breathing rates.
“These values can vary based on factors like home size, weather conditions, the use of ventilation hoods, and personal metabolic characteristics,” the researchers stated.
On a positive note, the study found that improving ventilation—like just opening a window—and using gas stoves less frequently could significantly lower exposure. The researchers aim to raise awareness about this simple yet effective change.
Moreover, they provided context by noting that, in the U.S., the average person spends about 90% of their time indoors, a figure that may rise with more people working from home. This suggests a need for further studies on indoor air quality.
“This analysis emphasizes the importance of tackling combustion-related indoor air pollutants to safeguard public health, particularly in homes with limited ventilation,” the researchers concluded.
The findings have been published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials.
