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A recent report reveals that pollutants from gas stoves cause around 40,000 premature deaths in Europe each year, a death toll double that of car crashes. These stoves release harmful gases, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which are linked to heart and lung diseases. The study, led by Dr. Juana María Delgado-Saborit from Jaume I University in Spain, found that using gas stoves can reduce a person’s lifespan by nearly two years on average.
The research estimates that 36,031 early deaths occur annually in the EU and 3,928 in the UK due to gas stove emissions. These figures are considered conservative since the study only accounted for NO2 and not other harmful gases like carbon monoxide. In Europe, one-third of households cook with gas, with higher rates in countries like the UK, Italy, and the Netherlands, where gas stoves are common.
The findings have prompted calls from health experts, including the European Public Health Alliance, to phase out gas stoves and promote cleaner alternatives. Simple measures like opening windows and using extractor fans while cooking can reduce exposure, but researchers stress the importance of long-term solutions like switching to electric hobs to improve indoor air quality and health.
