Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

• Context (DTE): A study by Stanford University highlighted health risks associated with gas and propane stoves. These appliances can significantly elevate indoor air pollution levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a known respiratory pollutant.
• The research discovered that homes using gas or propane stoves expose residents to an average annual increase of 4 parts per billion (ppb) of NO2.
• This is concerning because the increase is equal to 75% of the WHO recommended safe limit for indoor and outdoor NO2 exposure.
• The study affirmed that cooking food emits minimal to no NO2, and electric stoves produce none.

Mitigation Strategies

• Effective range hoods that vent outdoors.
• Ensuring proper ventilation while cooking.
• Consideration of alternative cooking appliances, such as electric stoves or induction cooktops.

About Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) It is one of six widespread air pollutants. It is formed when fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and methane gas are burned at high temperatures. NO2 and other nitrogen oxides in the outdoor air contribute to particle pollution and to the chemical reactions that make ozone. Road traffic is the principal outdoor source of nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide causes a range of harmful effects on the lungs, including: Increased inflammation of the airways. Worsened cough and wheezing. Reduced lung function. Increased asthma attacks. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas with significant anthropogenic sources.