Let’s clear the air.
Benzene, a harmful chemical found in gasoline, cigarette smoke and paint strippers, is a known carcinogen. Long-term exposure to high levels of benzene has been linked to leukemia and other blood-related cancers.
Now, a new study out of Stanford University reports that benzene-caused cancer risks are significantly higher — especially for children — in homes with medium to high usage of gas stoves and inadequate ventilation.
“Natural gas and propane stoves emit benzene, a known carcinogen through combustion,” the researchers explained in the forthcoming July issue of the Journal of Hazardous Materials.
“To our knowledge, ours is the first study to assess the carcinogenic health risks from benzene formed during gas combustion from stoves, as well as leukemia cases attributable to gas stove use.”
Gas stoves have come under fire in recent years as studies suggested they emit pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene and formaldehyde, which can trigger asthma and potentially increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
The stoves have fueled heated debate about health and environmental concerns and government overreach with limitations or bans.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January that “safeguards the American people’s freedom to choose from a variety of goods and appliances,” including gas stoves.
The order followed a watered-down rule from the Biden administration requiring some gas and electric stoves to be more efficient.
Other restrictions have had more teeth. In 2023, New York became the first state to ban the installation of new gas stoves in most new homes and buildings. It’s set to take effect in 2026 for buildings under seven stories and in 2029 for larger structures.
NYC also has a ban on natural gas in new buildings — the ordinance was upheld in federal court in March.
Meanwhile, research on the potential effects of gas stoves continues. About 38% of American households, or roughly 40 million homes, have these appliances.
Stanford scientists say that 6.3 million Americans are exposed to the top 5 % highest benzene-emitting gas stoves.
They measured emissions in 87 homes across 14 counties in Colorado and California for a 2023 study.
For this new study, they simulated different cooking scenarios involving varying burner intensities and oven temperatures with minimal or no ventilation.
When there’s no ventilation, benzene exposure in kitchens and living rooms is highest in smaller apartments, followed by manufactured homes, attached homes and detached homes, the researchers found.
“Particularly concerning were the elevated risks in bedrooms, where people typically spend the most time,” they wrote.
Their analysis also suggested that children’s cancer risk from gas stove exposure is 1.85 times higher than adults.
The researchers noted that children generally breathe faster and take in more air — and therefore more pollutants — relative to their smaller body size.
“Since there is no safe limit for benzene’s carcinogenic effects, it is crucial to further evaluate the health risks associated with these effects,” the study read.
Ventilation plays a key role in reducing benzene concentrations — the researchers recommend opening windows and using good-quality outdoor vent hoods. Homeowners could also switch to electric stoves.
“The study underscores the importance of addressing combustion-related indoor air pollutants to protect public health, particularly in households with limited ventilation,” the study authors wrote.
