There are decades of research linking gas cooking with an increased risk of childhood asthma and of experiencing asthma symptoms. Globally, children living in a home that cooks with gas have been shown to have a 32% increased likelihood of having current and lifetime asthma. This risk remains constant across the different regions and geographies, despite potential differences in the built environment and building regulations. A recent study estimates that for the EU this means that over 700 000 children would not be experiencing asthma symptoms each year had they not been exposed to pollution from gas-fired cooking appliances.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO) are all associated with gas stove use. They are considered to be so-called traditional air pollutants, which contribute to health problems that range from increased inflammation of the airways, coughing and wheezing, to increased risk of dementia and heart attacks.
There is no known safe level of air pollution. It is therefore crucial that we phase out sources of air pollution, such as gas stoves, especially since a cleaner, electric alternative is available.

Air pollution impacts all of us, with some population groups experiencing higher associated risks. For example, children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution, due to their higher rates of breathing, narrower airways and less effective particle filtering. Similarly, people living with respiratory diseases may experience an exacerbation of their symptoms even from relatively short terms increases in exposure to air pollution.

No. During combustion and even when not in use, gas appliances emit pollutants that cause negative environmental impacts — such as methane, CO₂ and other harmful gases. This makes the phase out of cooking with gas a clear case for climate and health co-benefits.

A societal transformation and transition away from cooking with gas is necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of Europeans. People should be given the information about these health risks so they can make informed choices and better purchasing decisions, and practices such as ventilation and cooking on the back burners have been shown to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants. However, the only sustainable and robust solution is to tackle the source of air pollution directly, and the EU has a responsibility to set in place a legal framework and dedicated funds to address this health hazard in our homes.

Please consider signing and sharing the Clean Cooking for Public Health manifesto, which can be endorsed by health professionals and researchers, as well as health organizations. The manifesto aims to amplify the voice of the health community, contributing to evidence-based decision making that protects and promotes the health and well-being of Europeans.
If you would like to engage more actively, or have any questions for us, please reach out at cleancooking@epha.org.