Publication date:
May 5, 2024

Study Reveals Disproportionate Exposure to Gas Stove Pollutants Among Economically Disadvantaged and Minority Groups
A recent study by scientists highlights the inequitable exposure to harmful gas stove pollutants faced by low-income and minority households in the US.
Pollution
A study conducted by researchers from Stanford University, Harvard University, and the Central California Asthma Collaborative sheds light on the disproportionate exposure to harmful gas stove pollutants among economically disadvantaged and minority groups in the United States. The research indicates that gas stoves emit pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, known to cause respiratory issues, at levels considered unsafe by regulatory agencies like the US Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization. The findings, published in Science Advances, are the first to analyze gas stove nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution across varying home types, income levels, race, and cooking habits while quantifying the costs associated with preventable childhood asthma cases. By constructing a model that estimates gas stove NO2 concentrations based on household size, the researchers discovered that American Indian and Alaska Native households bear 60% more long-term exposure to NO2 than the national average. Similarly, Black, Hispanic, and Latino households experience 20% more exposure than the average. The study also reveals that households earning less than $10,000 annually face double the exposure to gas stove pollution compared to those earning over $150,000. This disparity is attributed in part to differences in home size, but other factors like cooking practices, ventilation, and indoor time may also play a role. In terms of public health impact, the researchers estimate that gas and propane stoves contribute to around 19,000 adult deaths and 200,000 childhood asthma cases annually in the US. The study's lead investigator emphasized the importance of addressing indoor air quality, as most individuals spend a significant amount of time indoors. The community organization WE ACT for Environmental Justice echoed the study's findings, citing observations in New York City public housing that highlighted the challenges faced by communities of color and low-income populations due to gas stove pollution. The research emphasizes the urgent need for interventions, policies, and programs to address the disproportionate exposure to gas stove pollutants, with a focus on vulnerable households. Recommendations include transitioning to electric stoves and implementing stronger regulations to support households in making the switch. While cost remains a barrier for many, potential solutions such as tax credits and portable induction burners are suggested to mitigate the risks associated with gas stove pollution. The study underscores the critical need for evidence-based policy interventions to safeguard public health and reduce disparities related to indoor air quality.