Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
A comprehensive research effort conducted by Purdue University has unearthed concerning revelations regarding the potential health hazards associated with cooking on gas stoves.
The study found that the act of cooking on gas stoves releases more substantial quantities of nano-sized particles than vehicles running on gas or diesel, raising concerns about respiratory health implications for individuals exposed to such emissions.
Inhalation of these emitted nanoparticles could significantly elevate the risk of developing respiratory ailments, including asthma and other related conditions.
In light of these findings, researchers strongly advocate for the use of kitchen exhaust fans during gas stove cooking sessions as a preventive measure to minimize the dispersion of harmful particles.
The groundbreaking study, published in the prestigious journal PNAS Nexus, delved into the characteristics and impacts of nanoparticles ranging from 1 to 3 nanometres in diameter, underscoring their ability to infiltrate the respiratory system.
Accurately measuring these minuscule particles indoors poses significant challenges due to their size and the complexities involved in detection methods.
To overcome these challenges, Purdue University utilized cutting-edge air quality instrumentation provided by GRIMM AEROSOL TECHNIK, a leading German company specializing in aerosol measurement technology. This advanced setup enabled researchers to conduct precise measurements of nanoparticle emissions during cooking experiments within a specially designed laboratory.
Remarkably, the study revealed that emissions from gas stove cooking rivalled or surpassed those generated by vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines. This striking finding underscores the critical importance of addressing indoor air pollution, which has garnered less attention compared to its outdoor counterpart.
In response to these alarming findings, researchers propose implementing automatic activation mechanisms for kitchen exhaust fans and raising public awareness about the need to minimize exposure to indoor air pollutants. These proactive measures are deemed essential for safeguarding respiratory health and mitigating the potential risks posed by nanoparticle emissions from gas stoves.