A doctor has warned against using a common household appliance, saying it can trigger acute asthma, increased allergies and even pneumonia.
According to Dr. Ben Ewald, gas stoves are among the most dangerous appliances today.
The doctor who lives and works in Newcastle and has been practising medicine for 30 years told FEMAIL that people should reconsider having a gas stove at home.
Especially if they have children.
“Living with a gas stove is the health equivalent of living with a smoker,” he warned.
Tiny but harmful nanoparticles, such as nitrogen dioxide, emitted by flames are the perfect size to flow into the respiratory system and stick to the lungs, causing unwanted irritation.
Health problems most commonly affect children exposed to the gas, but can also affect adults and the elderly.
“There are many causes of asthma, viruses being the main one, but exposure to gas stoves is on that list,” Dr. Ewald said.
Dr Ben Ewald, a GP in Newcastle with 30 years’ experience, said gas stoves can increase the risk of developing asthma (file image)
‘Nitrogen dioxide is a respiratory irritant produced by open flames. At high levels it can be toxic, but even at low levels it can cause asthma.’
The flame also releases formaldehyde, which is another respiratory irritant, and small amounts of benzene, which is a carcinogen.
Research conducted by the International Journal of Epidemiology Children exposed to gas stoves at home were found to have a 42 percent higher risk of developing asthma and a 24 percent higher chance of being diagnosed with asthma at some point in their lives.
Victoria, the ACT and several local council areas in New South Wales have banned the installation of gas appliances in new homes to phase out fossil fuel energy.
According Asthma in AustraliaA staggering 48 per cent of Australians use a gas stove for cooking at home and 7 per cent use ventless gas heaters regularly during the colder months.
Health problems most often affect children. The tiny but harmful nanoparticles emitted by flames are the perfect size to flow into the respiratory system and stick to the lungs, causing unwanted irritation (file image)
Children exposed to gas stoves may also develop sensitivity to other things, such as dust mites.
What can you do to reduce the risk?
Before you remove your gas stove and replace it with an induction hob, there are several ways to reduce the risk first.
Dr. Ewald said to open a door or window before turning on the stove, and always use a range hood or purchase a countertop induction cooktop.
Induction cooktops also tend to be cheaper and can boil a pot of water faster compared to natural gas.
The Global Cooksafe Coalition (GCC) also has a mission to promote universal access to safe and sustainable cooking by 2030 in new kitchens and by 2040 in existing kitchens in residential and commercial properties.
This means cooking without fossil fuels with electric appliances, powered by renewable energy instead of gas.