<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/07/cooking-gas-hob-indoor-air-pollution-uk-road-study>
"Cooking on a gas hob can create higher levels of indoor air pollution than
found on one of the UK’s busiest roads, a study has found.
The research by
Which? compared levels of two of the most damaging air
pollutants – nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) – in
the homes of four people with gas hobs, one person with an induction hob and on
Marylebone Road in central London.
NO₂ is a significant contributor to children developing asthma, as well as
exacerbating other respiratory conditions in children and adults.
PM2.5 has been linked to the worsening or development of several diseases,
including respiratory illnesses, lung cancer, an increased risk of heart
disease and Parkinson’s disease.
The study, conducted in November 2024, found that levels of NO2 from a gas hob
increased in line with the amount of cooking time and the number of gas rings
used. Even when slow cooking a meal using one ring NO2 levels more than
doubled.
Once levels of NO₂ had spiked researchers found that they remained elevated for
a significant time – often several hours.
The study suggests that people spending their evening in the same room where
they have cooked could be exposed to sustained elevated levels of harmful
pollutants well in excess of World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
The volunteer who used the induction hob experienced background levels of NO₂,
mainly from outdoor pollution."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
