Since New York became the first state to ban natural gas and other fossil fuels in new buildings, a debate has been raging about the health dangers of the gas stove in the family kitchen.
An increasing number of owners are now replacing gas with an induction stovetop as part of a kitchen remodel.
The problem with gas is the air pollutants it releases, namely carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide.
Without proper ventilation, these can threaten those with health conditions.
The American Lung Association says: “the longer gas ranges are used, the more residual unburnt natural gas containing the carcinogen benzene is likely to leak on the cooktops”.
These are some of the dangers and problems associated with gas cooktops.
Greenhouse emissions
Gas stoves contribute to climate change because they emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses.
Fossil fuel
We may not think natural gas has the same polluting power as oil, but it’s a fossil fuel that we burn into the atmosphere.
Kitchen fumes
Kitchen air quality diminishes when the gas is on. Your stove emits nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide.
Higher consumption
If you can afford an induction cooktop as a replacement, you’ll find it more energy efficient, reducing your utility bills. Induction uses electromagnetic energy that places all the heat directly onto the cookware.
Skin burns
An induction stovetop is designed to prevent physical injury. A gas stove gets extremely hot and can heat the handles of pots and pans.
Hazardous
An open flame is potentially dangerous, even on a stove. It is easy to place a tea towel, paper towel or cleaning cloth on, or close to, the flame.