Is it unsafe to have a gas stove?

Author: Henriette King  |  Last update: Monday, December 8, 2025

Gas stoves can release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and water vapor. They also give off methane, benzene, and a host of other harmful chemicals. One main concern about cooking with gas is that the by-products can trigger respiratory symptoms and illnesses in adults and children.

Is it safe to have a gas stove in the house?

It is generally not safe to use a flammable gas stove indoors without proper ventilation. Gas stoves release carbon monoxide and other potentially harmful gases when they burn. These gases need to be properly ventilated to the outside to prevent b...

Is having a gas stove bad for your health?

NO2 can cause respiratory problems, particularly for those with asthma or other respiratory illnesses, and long-term exposure to NO2 from gas stoves has also been linked to an increased risk of developing heart disease.

Which is safer, a gas or an electric stove?

electric stoves is clearer when it comes to safety, but no matter the type of stove you have, be sure to keep fire extinguishers in the kitchen or nearby. Gas stoves: Gas stoves are generally considered less safe.

Is it safe to have a gas stove without a vent?

Gas stoves need to have an exhaust capability above the burners. It is not safe to have a gas stove without a vent. Although they are not required in the US, vent hoods are crucial to improving your indoor air quality.

Should Gas Stoves Be BANNED?

Do you need ventilation when using a gas stove?

The ventilation of gas appliances, such as your gas cooktop, is not just necessary but also essential for maintaining a healthy and safe kitchen environment. Gas burners produce byproducts like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde during the combustion process.

How much carbon monoxide does a gas stove produce?

Levels near properly adjusted gas stoves are often 5 to 15 ppm and those near poorly adjusted stoves may be 30 ppm or higher. It is most important to be sure combustion equipment is maintained and properly adjusted.

Should I change my gas stove to electric?

Electric ranges are overall more environmentally friendly since natural gas extraction and delivery methods tend to come from more harmful sources - two-thirds of natural gas in the United States is produced by fracking. Electric stoves are also better for indoor air quality.

What is the healthiest stove to use?

Electric and induction stoves do not pose the same threat of health risks caused by air pollution and they outperform gas when it comes to cooking time and energy efficiency.

What are the cons of a gas stove?

Gas stoves can also release formaldehyde, a human carcinogen, and carbon monoxide, which is odorless and can be toxic in high concentrations. Carbon monoxide levels have been found to be three to six times higher in homes with gas stoves. A gas stove also pollutes when it is off.

Are gas stoves going to be banned?

In a post addressing misinformation on new appliance standards, the Energy Department has said that "claims that the federal government is banning gas stoves are absurd." The agency went on to clarify that there are no plans to ban gas stoves at the federal level.

Do air purifiers help with gas stoves?

Air purifiers are another device you can add to your home to help mitigate indoor air pollutants including the ones created by gas stoves.

Is smelling stove gas bad for you?

Yes. Not only do gas stoves present the risk of a gas leak, but cooking with gas produces twice as much harmful particulate matter. According to Columbia University's Climate School, gas stoves can also release formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, and carbon monoxide, which can be toxic in high concentrations.

How do I make sure my gas stove is safe?

GAS STOVE SAFETY: 8 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR A SECURE HOME
  1. Check the gas line for leaks. Gas leaks can lead to fires, explosions, or carbon monoxide poisoning. ...
  2. Use the right cookware. ...
  3. Remove flammable objects from stovetop. ...
  4. Do not let the burner run without ignition. ...
  5. Choose a high-quality cooker hood.

Do gas stoves leak when off?

Your gas stove may leak climate-warming methane even when it's off, study finds A study finds tiny leaks from loose fittings added up to more emissions than when stoves were in use.

Is natural gas safe to burn indoors?

Surprisingly, apart from carbon monoxide, there are no official indoor air quality standards for the pollutants released by the burning of natural gas in the U.S. However, studies have shown that indoor concentrations for some of them routinely exceed established ambient air quality standards.

Which is healthier, a gas or an electric stove?

Although the gas industry has convinced us electric stoves are inferior to gas stoves, in most ways, they're the better choice – for our health, our climate, and our palettes. By now, we've all heard the bad news about gas stoves: They're not good for our climate or our health.

What is the best alternative to a gas stove?

Induction stoves have quickly become the most popular alternative to gas stoves. They are three times more efficient than gas ranges and 10% more efficient than standard glass-top electric stoves.

What is the safest stove for seniors?

Safety Induction Cooktops

Traditional stovetops can pose safety risks for seniors, including burns and accidental fires. Safety induction cooktops offer a solution by utilizing electromagnetic fields to generate heat directly in the cookware rather than on the surface.

Should I get rid of a gas stove?

But as ever more research emerges demonstrating the potential health risks (and associated environmental impacts) of gas stoves, we've changed our stance: Switching from a gas stove to an electric version as soon as possible could be worth the expense and effort for many households.

Do chefs prefer gas or electric stoves?

Gas flames have long been the preferred cooking method for professional restaurateurs and serious cooks. Just imagine the opening credits of Top Chef without that signature click and whoosh of a flame burner.

Is it worth switching from gas to electric?

As a fossil fuel, natural gas is a nonrenewable resource and causes ecological damage when extracted. On the other hand, powering your home purely with electricity can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint and indoor air pollution.

Is cooking with gas unhealthy?

Stanford researchers found that cooking with gas stoves can raise indoor levels of the carcinogen benzene above those found in secondhand smoke.

How do I know if my gas stove is leaking carbon monoxide?

What are the signs of a carbon monoxide (CO) leak?
  1. Floppy yellow or orange flame on your gas hob or oven, rather than a crisp blue flame.
  2. Dark, sooty staining on or around gas appliances.
  3. Pilot lights that frequently blow out.
  4. Increased condensation inside windows.

What are two warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO, it can make you pass out or kill you.

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