The Science behind Gas Stoves
RMI talks with two public health experts about gas stoves, health, and the climate.
Health Impacts of Gas Stoves
Millions of Americans are now learning that gas stoves release several hazardous pollutants that can contribute to respiratory and other health problems. Building on decades of related research, RMI's peer-reviewed study showed that nearly 13 percent of childhood asthma cases in the United States are associated with gas stove usage — a risk similar to secondhand smoke. Cited by countless media outlets, the study sparked a nationwide discussion.
RMI is committed to analyzing and addressing the health and climate impacts of gas stoves and promoting safe, healthy, and energy efficient cooking alternatives that are climate-aligned and energy efficient. Below, access the peer-reviewed research at the center of the national conversation, find our latest perspectives, and learn more about the health, climate, and financial benefits of home and building electrification.
RMI Resources
Reality Check: Gas Stoves Are a Health and Climate Problem
Policymakers and consumers alike are reconsidering the health risks and climate damage associated with gas stoves. Here are six simple truths to guide the conversation.
Population Attributable Fraction of Gas Stoves and Childhood Asthma in the United States
Gas stove use is linked to nearly 13 percent of current childhood asthma in the United States.
All-Electric Homes
Intended for health professionals, advocates, and anyone interested in the climate-health nexus. Learn more about the health impacts of fossil fuel combustion in buildings and the benefits of electrifying buildings.
“We knew gas stoves were bad. But how bad? For childhood asthma, exposure to gas stove pollution is similar to being exposed to secondhand smoke. Nationally, over 12% of childhood ashthma is linked with gas stove pollution. The good news? The risk is preventable and can be mitigated with electric stoves."
Brady Seals
Manager, RMI Builidings
"A lot of studies have measured indoor concentrations of NO2 when gas stoves are in operation, and many have found that those concentrations could exceed the one-hour NO2 limit EPA has established for outdoors. It shouldn’t matter if it’s outdoors or indoors, it’s the same exposure. So from that angle, it’s pretty clear that gas stoves are a problem."
Dr. Robert Dubrow
Yale School of Public Health
Other Studies on Health Impacts of Gas Stoves
American Thoracic Society 2023
Gas Stoves and Respiratory Health: Decades of Data, but Not Enough Progress
Environmental Science and Technology 2023 (Stanford University)
Gas and Propane Combustion from Stoves Emits Benzene and Increases Indoor Air Pollution
Environmental Science and Technology 2022
Methane and NOx Emissions from Natural Gas Stoves, Cooktops, and Ovens in Residential Homes (Stanford University)
Environmental Science and Technology 2022
Home is Where the Pipeline Ends: Characterization of Volatile Organic Compounds Present in Natural Gas at the Point of the Residential End User (Harvard University)
International Journal of Epidemiology 2013
Meta-analysis of the effects of indoor nitrogen dioxide and gas cooking on asthma and wheeze in children
RMI Experts on the Health Impacts of Gas Stoves
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
Here's Why Your Gas Stove Is Killing You
TEDx London
Want to Green Your Home? Start with Your Stove
Serious Eats
How Do Induction Cooktops Work, Anyways?
Inside Climate News
How Gas Stoves Became Part of America’s Raging Culture Wars
Harvard Public Health
The gas stove debate: are they actually bad for your health?
The American Chemical Society (ACS)
How gas stoves pollute your home (video)
Resources to Electrify Your Kitchen
Switch Is On
The All-Electric Kitchen
Electrify Now
Switch to Induction Cooking
Rewiring America
How much money will you get with the Inflation Reduction Act?
Consumer Reports