Chances are you’ve sat through at least one conversation about how gas stoves are superior and cook better than electric stoves.
The government has yet to take a stance on that matter, but what it can tell us are the health hazards associated with those beloved gas stoves.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) — an independent federal agency — recently issued a safety report on gas stoves after reviewing data from industry, academic, medical and government sources.
The GAO also interviewed multiple representatives from federal agencies and organizations that set safety standards or test products for compliance, as well as academic researchers and consumer advocates.
According to the report, certain hazards are associated with both gas and electric stoves, such as burns, fire and the release of particulate matter (airborne particles that measure less than 2.5 micrometers — which is a mere 0.0025 millimeter). However, only gas stoves emit ultrafine particulate matter (which is even smaller at 0.1 micrometer or less).
Ultrafine particulate matter can affect heart and lung health. Effects can vary based on exposure time, general health and the concentration of particulate matter.
Another risk unique to gas stoves is carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions.
Nitrogen dioxide irritates the respiratory system, with effects varying based on a person’s sensitivity and exposure levels. The GAO report notes that previous studies have found that nitrogen dioxide emissions from gas stoves can exceed the federal government’s limit for outdoor air quality.
The levels of carbon monoxide that gas stoves produce aren’t typically hazardous, but they can become lethal if a gas stove malfunctions in a space with inadequate ventilation.
About 60,000 stoves were recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 2022 and 2023 after it was found they could emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
Product and ventilation safety standards are regulated by a number of groups across industries, like the CPSC and the American National Standards Institute.
There are no federal standards on residential indoor air quality, though, and the effectiveness of ventilation systems depends on a variety of factors, such as the size of the kitchen and home, the interaction of any kitchen ventilation with whole-house ventilation, and how effectively range hoods capture exhaust.
Be sure that any gas stove at home has adequate ventilation, such as a range hood. Even simply opening nearby doors or windows helps improve indoor air quality when cooking.
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