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Most people know that gas leaks can cause deadly explosions, but gas appliances are also a threat to your health, even without leaks. Like any fossil fuel, methane gas emits noxious fumes when burned. The resulting mix of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and other pollutants have serious health ramifications.
Most people know that gas leaks can cause deadly explosions, but gas appliances are also a threat to your health, even without leaks. Like any fossil fuel, methane gas emits noxious fumes when burned. The resulting mix of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and other pollutants have serious health ramifications.
Nitrogen dioxide exposure results in increased respiratory symptoms, asthma attacks and hospital admissions. Long-term NO₂ exposure is likely to cause asthma, especially in children, and can increase the risk of diabetes, cancer, and premature death.
Nitrogen dioxide exposure results in increased respiratory symptoms, asthma attacks and hospital admissions. Long-term NO₂ exposure is likely to cause asthma, especially in children, and can increase the risk of diabetes, cancer, and premature death.
Many homes with gas-burning appliances frequently exceed Environmental Protection Agency outdoor air quality standards, but because indoor air is unregulated by the EPA, the toxic fumes are perfectly legal.
Many homes with gas-burning appliances frequently exceed Environmental Protection Agency outdoor air quality standards, but because indoor air is unregulated by the EPA, the toxic fumes are perfectly legal.
Check out our fact sheet on indoor air pollution from gas to learn more about the dangerous health consequences of gas appliances.
Check out our fact sheet on indoor air pollution from gas to learn more about the dangerous health consequences of gas appliances.
Promoting Health and Sustainability: Transitioning Away from Gas and Reducing Nitrogen Dioxide
Promoting Health and Sustainability: Transitioning Away from Gas and Reducing Nitrogen Dioxide
Understanding the Health Impacts
Understanding the Health Impacts
Gas usage in homes can contribute to poor indoor air quality and pose health risks, especially for children and individuals with respiratory sensitivities. The fumes and byproducts from gas combustion, including nitrogen dioxide, can lead to respiratory issues and exacerbate conditions such as asthma.
Raising Awareness
Raising Awareness
It is essential to raise awareness about the potential health impacts of gas usage and indoor air pollution. By understanding the risks associated with gas usage, individuals and communities can make informed decisions to promote healthier living environments.
Promoting Cleaner Alternatives
Promoting Cleaner Alternatives
Exploring and adopting cleaner cooking alternatives, such as electric stoves, induction cooktops, or other sustainable cooking methods, can significantly reduce the health risks associated with gas usage. Encouraging the use of these alternatives can contribute to improved indoor air quality and better respiratory health..
Better Ventilation Practices
Better Ventilation Practices
Implementing better ventilation practices, such as using extractor fans, ensuring proper maintenance of gas appliances, and promoting good indoor air circulation, can help mitigate the health risks associated with gas usage. These measures can contribute to creating healthier and safer living spaces.
Reducing Nitrogen Dioxide Emissions
Reducing Nitrogen Dioxide Emissions
By transitioning away from gas and promoting the use of cleaner cooking alternatives, we can work towards reducing nitrogen dioxide emissions. This proactive approach can contribute to improving air quality and reducing the environmental and health impacts associated with nitrogen dioxide exposure.
Sustainability and Environmental Benefits
Sustainability and Environmental Benefits
Moving away from gas usage and reducing nitrogen dioxide emissions aligns with efforts to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility. Embracing cleaner cooking alternatives not only benefits individual health but also contributes to a healthier planet for future generations.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
Community Engagement and Advocacy
It is crucial to engage communities, raise awareness about the health impacts of gas usage and nitrogen dioxide emissions, and advocate for policies and initiatives that support a transition to cleaner cooking practices. By working together, we can create healthier, more sustainable living environments for all.
Empowering Individuals and Communities
Empowering Individuals and Communities
Empowering individuals and communities with information and resources to transition away from gas and reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions is essential for promoting respiratory health and environmental well-being. Promoting access to cleaner cooking alternatives and advocating for healthier living spaces can lead to positive, long-term impacts.
Let's work together to raise awareness, promote cleaner cooking alternatives, reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions, and create healthier living environments for all. By embracing sustainable and health-conscious practices, we can pave the way for a brighter, cleaner, and healthier future.
Gas & Health
Gas & Health
The gas stove wars are far from over, Vox, March 21, 2023
Population Attributable Fraction of Gas Stoves and Childhood Asthma in the United States, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2023.
Kicking the Gas Habit: How Gas is Harming our Health, Climate Council (Australia), May 2021
Effects of Residential Gas Appliances on Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality and Public Health in California, UCLA School of Public Health, April 2020
The False Promise of Natural Gas, New England Journal of Medicine, January 9, 2020
Gas: A Major Source of Indoor Air Pollution, Sierra Club, December 2019
Gruenwald T, Seals BA, Knibbs LD, Hosgood HD. Population Attributable Fraction of Gas Stoves and Childhood Asthma in the United States. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023;20(1):75. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010075
Martin VS. Study Underscores That Exposure to Air Pollution Harms Brain Development in the Very Young - Inside Climate News. Inside Climate News. Published August 6, 2022. Accessed November 25, 2024. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/06082022/study-underscores-that-exposure-to-air-pollution-harms-brain-development-in-the-very-young/?utm_source=InsideClimate+News&utm_campaign=66fe9bd39e-&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-66fe9bd39e-327857737
Kicking the Gas Habit: How Gas is Harming our Health. Climate Council. https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/gas-habit-how-gas-harming-health/
Milman O. “Invisible killer”: fossil fuels caused 8.7m deaths globally in 2018, research finds. the Guardian. Published February 9, 2021. Accessed November 25, 2024. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/feb/09/fossil-fuels-pollution-deaths-research?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Roberts D. Air pollution is much worse than we thought. Vox. Published August 12, 2020. https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2020/8/12/21361498/climate-change-air-pollution-us-india-china-deaths
Seals B, Krasner A. Gas Stoves: Health and Air Quality Impacts and Solutions. RMI. Published 2020. https://rmi.org/insight/gas-stoves-pollution-health/
Effects of Residential Gas Appliances on Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality and Public Health in California – Center for Occupational & Environmental Health. https://coeh.ph.ucla.edu/effects-of-residential-gas-appliances-on-indoor-and-outdoor-air-quality-and-public-health-in-california/
Landrigan PJ, Frumkin H, Lundberg BE. The False Promise of Natural Gas. New England Journal of Medicine. 2020;382(2):104-107. doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmp1913663
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