Gas Stoves Found to be More Dangerous Than We Thought

By Mary West

Guest Writer for Wake Up World

Both amateur and professional cooks alike love cooking with natural gas. But although these stoves provide cooking flexibility, they emit chemicals that are harming your health.

A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives finds gas stoves give off unhealthy levels of noxious combustible by-products. After collecting data on homes in Southern California, researchers estimated the levels of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and formaldehyde the average home cook using a natural gas range is exposed to daily.

Emissions of CO and formaldehyde were generally low, but emissions of NO2 surpassed the acceptable limits for outdoor air established by the Environmental Protection Agency. This means cooks are being exposed to an even greater concentration, since indoor home cooking is done in an enclosed setting.
No public health organization sets limits for indoor air quality.

Health Hazards of Natural Gas

These odorless and colorless emissions can cause inflammation of the lungs, narrowing the breathing passages and complicating existing lung conditions. The pollutants can exacerbate allergies, and regular exposure can lead to asthma, wheezing and chronic cough along with bronchitis and respiratory infections.

In 1996, The Lancet reported that the use of gas stoves was linked to impaired lung function, particularly in young women. Moreover, women who used gas stoves experienced twice the amount of respiratory problems of women who used electric stoves.

Dr. Gopal Allada, pulmonologist at Oregon Health and Science University tells KATU News that long-term exposure can worsen diseases like pneumonia and emphysema. The emissions can even aggravate heart disease, he adds.

Those who are chemically sensitive are especially vulnerable to the emissions. Natural gas can worsen chemical sensitivity, leading to intolerance and more adverse reactions to the gas itself as well as to other chemicals in the environment. A study shows that when gas stoves were removed from the homes of people afflicted with this malady, their health and the health of their family members improved.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

When you own a gas stove, the possibility for CO poisoning is always present. Tragically, this event claims the lives of 500 Americans each year. Initial symptoms include breathlessness and headache. Continued exposure can lead to extreme fatigue, dizziness and nausea in addition to confusion and incoordination. Prolonged exposure can cause fainting and death. Be sure you have a CO detector in the kitchen.

9 Ways To Minimize Your Risk

CONTINUE READING

Previous article by Mary West:

• The Link Between Antidepressants and Murder
• 4 New Reasons to Avoid Pesticides
• Toxic Gene Discovered in GM Crops Shows Approval Process Is Fatally Flawed
• 5 Newly Discovered Health Powers of Asparagus
• Coconut Oil Could Help Fight Tooth Decay
• 8 Ways to Maximize Telomere Length and Increase Life Expectancy
• Big Pharma’s Clinical Drug Trials Are Killing Thousands Overseas

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