With home sales and home renovations up slightly month over month in 2024, you may have to think about what type of appliances that you want in your home – gas or electric. There have been more discussions recently about gas appliances and whether they are harmful to your health. These include your stove, furnace, water heater and even your gas fireplace.
The reality is that there are decades of research documenting the risks that residential gas poses through damage to respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Organizations like Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) have been documenting their findings about the risks of gas appliances to our overall health:
“In my practice I see firsthand the impact poor air quality has on my patients like serious asthma attacks and other respiratory illnesses,” said Dr. Melissa Lem, family physician and president of CAPE’s Board of Directors. “As a mom and a doctor, I want to do everything I can to help protect my family’s and my patients’ health. Increasing awareness of these risks is essential to helping reduce exposures, where possible, and encourage better health outcomes. When we breathe clean air, we breathe easier.”
Canadian cities like Montreal are beginning to regulate gas appliances. In 2023, the city introduced ban gas connections in smaller new buildings beginning next year, with some exceptions, as a way to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and move the city closer to its goal of being carbon neutral by 2050. The BC government is considering a ban on gas heating which will take effect in 2030. We expect that other provinces will roll out regulations in the upcoming years.
With so many changes on the horizon, we wanted to take a deeper look at the health risks associated with gas appliances, what types of gas they emit and tips on how to reduce the risk of gas appliances if you aren’t ready or able to make the move to electric or induction stoves and heat pumps.
The Health Risks of Gas Appliances
Research has shown that having a gas stove in the home increases the risk of childhood asthma by 42%! Sadly, many Canadians aren’t aware of this risk factor. In addition, studies have also show that gas appliances increase short-term respiratory symptoms and discomfort, such as coughing and wheezing. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is also a risk with gas appliances. With an increase in carcinogens as well, you should consider alternatives, like electric stoves or induction cooktops which are cleaner, more eco-friendly options.
Chemicals Released by Gas Appliances
CAPE provided us with a list of the chemicals released by gas appliances, and it is troubling. For that reason, we are sharing the details verbatim:
- Carbon monoxide is often called the “silent killer.” It is odourless, colourless and tasteless, and potentially fatal. Every year, people in Canada die as a result of CO poisoning, and the majority (findings suggest between 65% and 75%) of those deaths occur at home. Gas appliances are a major risk factor for CO poisoning.
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is one of several nitrous oxides released by gas stoves and is the chemical that leads to respiratory harm. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) has been measured in elevated levels during and after using gas stoves. Research from Canada has found that hours after gas stove use, the chemical can still be measured in a home at levels higher than the Health Canada guideline for NO2 exposure.
- Formaldehyde is a carcinogen and associated with other illnesses like respiratory infections. Even in limited exposure, it can irritate and cause swelling to the eyes, throat, nose, and mouth.
- Benzene is a volatile organic compound (VOC) and a known carcinogen linked to various cancers including blood cancer. For cancer risk, the World Health Organization guidelines suggest that there are no safe levels of exposure to benzene.
Tips to Reduce the Risks of Your Gas Appliances
Not everyone has the means to replace their gas stove or cook top immediately, but there are some small changes that you can make to reduce your risks, although not eliminate them. Focus on improving the ventilation in your kitchen to the exterior of the home. Proper ventilation is always important, but if you have respiratory issues, it is essential. The easiest way to ventilate your kitchen is to open your windows and doors when you are cooking.
A HEPA and carbon-filter air purifier not only reduces dust and pollen but may help reduce nitrogen dioxide released into kitchens, if sized correctly for the space, but be aware that they are unlikely to fully eliminate it throughout the home.
In condos and apartments, central heating, and air conditioning mean that you can’t always open windows, but unfortunately, vented range hoods do not provide sufficient protection. There is evidence that the fans can even push the gases further throughout the home. With this in mind, any kind of exterior ventilation you can create is likely beneficial. Another easy way to reduce the risk without breaking the bank is to purchase an induction burner. Not only are they safer for you, but they are also much easier to clean.
Any HVAC systems in your home should always be checked annually by a professional. Keep your gas burner clean to avoid gas leaks over time. It is also important to make that you have working CO and NO₂ alarms.
Finally, heat pumps are a great alternative to more traditional gas furnaces. They are not only more economical over time, but they are also more eco-friendly. They are more efficient as well. Better for you and better for your wallet.
For more information, visit heatcookbreathe.ca.
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