Carcinogenic chemical discovered in gas stoves

One in 10 homes tested in the UK, Italy and the Netherlands has dangerous levels of benzene – a cancer-causing chemical – due to slow leaks from gas hobs and ovens.

A new study, this Wednesday in Environmental Research Lettersrevealed that many people in Europe may be exposed to dangerous chemicals as a result of slow leaks from gas stoves or ovens.

Almost 10% of homes tested in the UK, the Netherlands and Italy had leaks large enough to exceed exposure limits. benzene – a cancer-causing chemical.

As mentioned by , in addition to methane, natural gas can contain many volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some are known to be harmful, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and hexane.

However, benzene is really the main concern as it can trigger cancers, especially leukemiasuppress the immune system and cause anemia e hemorrhages excessive.

Previous studies have found high levels of benzene in natural gas from the North Sea and the Netherlands, but it was unclear what levels people were exposed to.

Now, the team at research institute PSE Healthy Energy in Oakland, California (USA) has first collected gas samples from stoves in 72 homes in the UK, Netherlands and Italy.

The situation is more worrying in the Netherlands

Compared to US levels, benzene concentrations were 9 times higher in Italy, 37 times higher in the UK and 66 times higher in Netherlands.

Most leaks were below the level theoretically detectable by smell.

“It’s similar to living with a smoker. Secondhand smoke creates a similar level of benzene inside,” said the research leader Drew Michanowicz.

“And this is just benzene from leaks. We know there are other sources of benzene, so Actual benzene levels may be even higher”, he added.

Michanowicz considers the 35 houses they studied to be “within an order of magnitude representative of the broader population.”

“There is a growing body of evidence on indoor air pollution and gas stoves. Given the dual benefits of reducing a potential health risk and decarbonizing, it’s worth moving away from them,” he said. Paul Monksfrom the University of Leicester, in the United Kingdom, who was not part of the study, told New Scientist.

Induction hobs are more energy efficient and safer in many ways — no pollution, lower fire risk and zero possibility of blowing up entire buildings.