A recent study published in the academic journal PNAS Nexus has shed light on an unexpected source of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure in American households: gas stoves. The research, led by air quality scientist Yannai Kashtan, reveals that pollution from gas stoves accounts for more than half of some Americans’ total exposure to this toxic air pollutant, which is linked to respiratory issues such as asthma.
The study provides the first nationwide, community-level estimates of residential NO2 exposure, taking into account both outdoor air pollution and indoor emissions. It found that stovetops, unlike other gas appliances like furnaces or water heaters, lack direct ventilation and often rely on hoods that do not capture all emissions. This results in significant indoor NO2 pollution.
For Americans who cook with gas or propane, stoves contribute to roughly one-quarter of the average person’s NO2 exposure. For those who use their stoves more frequently and for extended periods, indoor exposure can account for more than half of their total nitrogen dioxide exposure. The study estimated the average NO2 exposure for each U.S. ZIP code, incorporating indoor NO2 emissions measurements from over 15 cities and outdoor NO2 concentrations from across the country. The researchers also considered housing stock data and occupant behavior, such as stove usage and window opening habits.
The findings indicate that the total contribution of NO2 from stoves is highest in cities where people live in smaller spaces, limiting the dispersion of the pollutant. Kashtan and his colleagues estimate that the average total residential long-term NO2 exposure across the U.S. is 24 percent lower for people with electric stoves, which do not emit NO2.
The implications of this study for the agriculture sector and investors are significant. The agriculture industry, which relies heavily on gas-powered equipment and infrastructure, may face increased scrutiny and regulation regarding emissions. Investors in agricultural technologies and equipment may need to reconsider their portfolios in light of the health risks associated with gas appliances.
Furthermore, the study’s findings could accelerate the transition from gas to electric stoves in residential settings, which may have a ripple effect on the demand for natural gas and the infrastructure supporting it. This shift could present both challenges and opportunities for investors in the energy sector.
The gas industry has dismissed the study’s findings, with the American Gas Association (AGA) stating that it does not use new data or produce new epidemiological evidence linking gas stoves to health outcomes. However, the study’s lead author, Kashtan, emphasizes that it is the first to estimate the specific proportion of total NO2 exposure attributable solely to gas stoves.
The debate over the health impacts of gas stoves is not new. A 2023 report by the Climate Investigations Center and an investigation by National Public Radio found that the gas industry was aware of adverse health impacts from gas stoves as early as 1970. The AGA has maintained that the available body of scientific research does not provide sufficient or consistent evidence demonstrating chronic health hazards from natural gas ranges.
Despite the controversy, the study’s findings have sparked calls for action from public health advocates. Nathan Phillips, a professor at Boston University, noted that the scale of the findings significantly helps end any remaining doubts about the broad health benefits of transitioning off gas. Dylan Plummer, the Sierra Club’s acting deputy director for building electrification, urged regulators to adopt consumer protections to mitigate the risks posed by gas appliances.
Some states have already taken steps to address the issue. In California, regulators are considering new guidelines for indoor air quality that would lower the limits for nitrogen dioxide concentrations. Lawmakers in the state passed a bill in 2024 that would have required appliance manufacturers to place public health warning labels on new gas stoves, but it was vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. In Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis signed a similar labeling requirement law for gas stoves in June, which has since been challenged in court by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.
As the debate over gas stoves and their health impacts continues, the agriculture sector and investors will need to stay informed and adapt to potential regulatory changes and shifting consumer preferences.