Research finds association between use of non-ventilated gas stoves and childhood asthma

A US study has revealed a link between ventilation when using a gas stove and asthma.

The research, published in the journal, Environmental Health, used data from a national health survey which took place from 1988–1994. The survey involved physical examinations, lab tests and a questionnaire which asked about the use of gas stoves in the home.

For this study, researchers analysed data from around 7,300 children aged between two and 16, who had asthma, wheezing or bronchitis, and whose parents used a gas stove in the home.

They found that the children that lived in homes where ventilation, e.g. an exhaust fan, was used when cooking with gas stoves were 32% less likely to have asthma, 38% less likely to have bronchitis, and 39% less likely to wheeze than children who lived in homes without this kind of ventilation.

While the study used data that was over ten years old, the researchers argue that their findings are still valid, as many people still use gas stoves for cooking and heating.

Based on their findings, the researchers recommend that parents with children at home should use ventilation when cooking with a gas stove.

Read the original news story. 

Read the journal article. 

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