Gas Stoves May Worsen Asthma Symptoms

A new US medical study has found that gas stoves can worsen asthma symptoms and reduce indoor air quality.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University studied 85 adults and children with severe asthma.

They monitored their health for four weeks, then replaced gas stoves in their homes with electric stoves free of cost and followed them for another two to three months.

The study also measured indoor air before and after the change, with special focus on nitrogen dioxide levels.

Researchers said gas stoves release nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide when they burn natural gas, which can harm respiratory health over time.

The findings showed that switching to electric stoves cut indoor nitrogen dioxide levels by up to 70 percent.

Asthma symptoms also improved significantly, with researchers saying the benefit was equal to or better than that seen with medication in some cases.

The study also recorded practical health gains. Sick leave from work or school fell by 80 percent, while visits to doctors dropped by 70 percent.

Researchers said the results are encouraging but limited because the study involved a small sample and lasted only a few months. They said further research is needed to confirm the findings.