People with gas and propane stoves breathe more unhealthy nitrogen dioxide | Stanford News

People with gas and propane stoves breathe more unhealthy nitrogen dioxide

A new study of air pollution in U.S. homes reveals how much gas and propane stoves increase people’s exposure to nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant linked to childhood asthma. Even in bedrooms far from kitchens, concentrations frequently exceed health limits while stoves are on and for hours after burners and ovens are turned off.

Introduction

Households with gas or propane stoves regularly breathe unhealthy levels of nitrogen dioxide, a study of air pollution in U.S. homes found. The study, published in Science Advances, highlights the impact of gas and propane stoves on human health, particularly in relation to childhood asthma. The research emphasizes the need to address this issue in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Findings

1. Gas and propane stoves increase people’s exposure to nitrogen dioxide.
2. Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide frequently exceed health limits even in bedrooms far from kitchens.
3. Breathing high levels of nitrogen dioxide can intensify asthma attacks and lead to decreased lung development in children and early deaths.
4. The mix of pollutants from gas and propane stoves may be responsible for as many as 200,000 childhood asthma cases.
5. The use of effective range hoods can significantly reduce exposure to nitrogen dioxide.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

The findings of this study have significant implications for the achievement of several SDGs, including:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The study highlights the negative health effects of breathing high levels of nitrogen dioxide, particularly for individuals with asthma. Addressing this issue is crucial for promoting good health and well-being.
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The research emphasizes the need to explore alternative cooking methods, such as electric stoves, which emit no nitrogen dioxide. This aligns with the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The study highlights the impact of indoor air pollution on urban households. Addressing this issue is essential for creating sustainable and resilient cities.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – The research emphasizes the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from gas and propane stoves. Promoting the use of electric stoves can contribute to mitigating climate change.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of addressing the impact of gas and propane stoves on indoor air pollution and human health. By promoting alternative cooking methods, improving ventilation systems, and raising awareness about the health risks associated with nitrogen dioxide exposure, we can work towards achieving the SDGs and creating healthier living environments.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) in cities (population weighted).

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.

Analysis

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   The article addresses the issue of air pollution in homes caused by gas and propane stoves, which can lead to negative health effects such as childhood asthma. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all.

   • The specific target under SDG 3 that can be identified is Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • The indicator mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards this target is Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   The article highlights the impact of gas stoves on indoor air pollution, emphasizing the need to pay attention to air quality in cities. This relates to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities.

   • The specific target under SDG 11 that can be identified is Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • The indicator mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards this target is Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) in cities (population weighted).

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   The article discusses the environmental impact of gas stoves and the need to integrate climate change measures into policies and planning. This aligns with SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

   • The specific target under SDG 13 that can be identified is Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • The indicator mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards this target is Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.

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Fuente: news.stanford.edu

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