For many Americans, staying indoors does little to protect you from poor air quality and pollution. A recent study from Stanford University, shows that gas and propane stoves are a major and often overlooked source of indoor pollution. 

Nitrogen Dioxide: The Indoor Pollutant You Can’t See

Nitrogen Dioxide is a by-product of combustion. In homes, gas stoves are the most common source of this gas. In a home setting, it usually goes undetected without a strong odor or color. Outdoors, it is a key component of smog, which can often leave a murky haze around cities. Nitrogen Dioxide is known to be irritating to the respiratory system and substantial amounts are linked to higher incidences of lung irritation, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Long term exposure can increase the risk of asthma development, obstructive pulmonary disease, preterm birth, diabetes, and lung cancer. 

Indoor vs. Outdoor Pollution

This new research from Stanford is the first to measure exposure to nitrogen dioxide both indoors and outdoors on a national scale. The research shows that if you use a gas stove in your home, you’re often breathing as much nitrogen dioxide pollution in your home from your stove as you are from all outdoor sources combined. In 2024, the same researchers found that gas stoves emit unsafe levels of nitrogen dioxide that can linger for hours even after the stove and oven are turned off. All electric stoves measured zero for nitrogen dioxide emissions. 

For most Americans, the majority of their nitrogen dioxide exposure comes from outdoor sources (most commonly vehicular traffic). But for 22 million Americans, using a gas stove caused their home to contain levels of nitrogen dioxide that surpassed safety thresholds that outdoor exposure would not. Small homes in rural areas were most at risk for the nitrogen dioxide levels to be higher than outside. Smaller homes lead to more concentrated levels of the pollutant and typically rural areas have cleaner outdoor air making the difference between the air inside the home and outdoors much greater. Total exposure still tended to be higher in large cities where the outdoor air contains higher levels of nitrogen dioxide. 

How to Reduce Exposure

Proper Ventilation

If you already have a gas stove in your home, make sure that you are implementing proper ventilation measures each time you cook with the stovetop. A range hood is very effective at removing gases from the cooking space. If you have a smaller kitchen or are unable to install a hood, even opening up a window can significantly reduce the amount of nitrogen dioxide that will linger in your kitchen during and after cooking - and it's free.

Consider Electric Kitchenware

If you are in a position to choose your own appliances, consider switching to electric. This switch can be a big investment, but if you are already remodeling or choosing appliances for a new home, you can eliminate the risk of pollutants entering your home by opting for electric options. Electric stoves and ovens are often less expensive and easier to install than their gas counterparts although you do give up some temperature control if you have a family member who loves to cook restaurant quality meals.

Look Into Rebates and Tax Credits

Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for rebates, tax credits, or low/no-interest loans to offset the costs of swapping gas appliances for electric ones. Check here to see if you may qualify for federal programs. 

Invest in Air Purification

To aid in ventilation, consider adding an air purifier to your kitchen space. PuroAir’s air purifiers have HEPA filters that offer a more targeted solution than the filters found in hoods or microwave fans. Additionally they will keep working even after the cooking is done to ensure that pollutants are not left behind or lingering in your space. HEPA filters filter out 99.9% of airborne contaminants including nitrogen dioxide and smoke.  Plus an activated carbon layer helps to filter odors that originate from cooking in the kitchen. PuroAir’s purifiers sense the air quality and will start filtering more aggressively if the air quality declines, so you don’t have to worry about monitoring another appliance while you are trying to figure out a new recipe. Depending on the size of your kitchen, PuroAir has three different models that cover different square footage spaces, although all purifiers have the same high quality filters to keep you covered no matter which model you choose.

Take Control of your Indoor Air Quality

Learning about what factors in your home contribute to poor air quality can help you in mitigating and defending your family against their effects. Gas stoves are a significant, but often unknown source of indoor air pollution. If left unmanaged, heavy use of a gas stove can lead to respiratory irritation, asthma, or even other, more serious lung conditions. If you currently use a gas stove, it is important to take steps to improve ventilation with air purification or consider switching over to electric appliances if you have the means to do so. Check out PuroAir’s collection of air purifiers here to protect your whole home from indoor pollution.