Dangers of Using Cooking Gas
Dangers of Using Cooking Gas
Many governments and environmental activists are turning more and more to cooking gas as the cleanest method of food preparation in lieu of electric cookers as the world attempts to go green once more. The gas is by far the least likely to release toxic gases into the environment or create respiratory issues in both humans and animals when compared to other cooking methods like firewood and charcoal.
However, a study published in 2022 that was highlighted by authoritative media sites like the New York Times raises the possibility that respiratory infections may still be a threat to people due to the use of natural gas stoves, cook tops, and ovens.
1. causing children’s asthma
According to the study, which was published in December 2022, the gas emits dangerous nitrogen oxides, including nitrogen dioxide.Inhaling the gas in a space with poor ventilation has the potential to cause asthma, especially in young children whose respiratory systems are still developing.
According to reports, the nitrogen dioxide emitted by natural gas stoves is comparable to that emitted by vehicles, boats, and other machinery.The report Methane and NOx Emissions from Natural Gas Stoves, Cooktops, and Ovens in Residential Homes said that co-emitted air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), are released into indoor air and can lead to respiratory illnesses.Adults who already have asthma have a higher risk of making their symptoms worse.
2. Benzene, a carcinogen
The Guardian claimed in January 2023, citing several instances, that natural gas stoves occasionally even leak dangerous substances when not in use. One of the substances is the carcinogen benzene.The other toxins are ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene, all of which have been related to cancer and respiratory illnesses.The study was carried out by PSE Healthy Energy, whose executive director, Seth Shonkoff, observed that the stoves can emit as much benzene as a cigarette. “You can achieve the same level of benzene just from having a stove that’s off in your home as you’d expect to see as having a house with a smoker in it,” he said.
3. Explosions
Gas explosions are recorded increasingly frequently in Kenya’s city and Nairobi County region each quarter. The most recent incident was noted at the start of August 2023.Three persons were hurt in the event when a gas cylinder exploded at Ibgaro House in Nairobi’s Eastleigh neighborhood, close to Madina Mall. In some circumstances, fatalities are frequently documented.However, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) consistently warns Kenyans to avoid fake gas cylinders that are more likely to explode.In a recent campaign, the authorities recommended users to avoid lighting matchboxes next to gas cylinders when a leak has been discovered and to routinely inspect the hose connecting the gas cylinder to the cookers for cracks.
Self-Protection against Gas Hazards Measures
Natural gas cookers do generate dangerous gases, but experts caution that this does not necessarily indicate that those who use them will become ill as a result.People are encouraged to make sure there is enough ventilation in areas where the cookers are used to prepare meals in order to protect the entire household and its residents.This can be accomplished by opening windows, using ventilators, and turning on a vent to remove kitchen-related air pollution. As a result, the air concentrations inside the home are reduced.A safer alternative to reducing the use of the gas cooker is to switch to electric cookers.Additionally, EPRA recommends people to look for dents on their cylinders that could constitute a safety risk.
