Study Reveals 1,300 Premature Deaths Annually in the Netherlands Due to Gas Cooking

A recent study from Jaume I University in Spain has revealed a concerning fact: around 1,300 people in the Netherlands die early each year due to harmful emissions from gas cooking. While the dangers of gas stoves on indoor air quality have been known, this is the first study directly associating gas cooking with a shorter lifespan.

Across Europe, nearly 40,000 deaths per year can be attributed to pollutants from gas stoves. The Netherlands is particularly noteworthy, along with countries like Italy, Romania, and Hungary, as gas cooking remains prevalent. About 60% of Dutch households use gas stoves. Moreover, roughly 80,000 people in the Netherlands have developed asthma related to these emissions.

Piet Jacobs, a TNO researcher, wasn’t surprised by these findings. During a chat on NOS Radio 1 Journaal, he commented, “The Netherlands is truly a gas country. We’ve discovered natural gas here and have an extensive gas pipeline network.” In contrast, countries like Germany and Denmark have mostly shifted to electric cooking.

A previous TNO study highlighted that kitchen air quality is significantly poorer with gas stoves than electric ones. It noted that a quarter of Dutch homes using gas stoves exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended nitrogen dioxide levels.

Health Risks of Gas Cooking

Exposure to high levels of nitrogen dioxide is linked to an increased risk of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. Gas stoves also emit fine particulate matter, which can deeply penetrate the lungs and cause further health issues.

Jacobs remarked on the surprising choice of gas stoves: “It’s like having an open flame without adequate ventilation. You wouldn’t barbecue indoors, yet we accept gas stoves because they’re familiar.”

Safety Measures to Consider

• • Always Use an Extractor Hood: Activate your kitchen’s extractor hood whenever you use the gas stove to effectively clear out harmful gases.
  • Ensure Proper Ventilation: Keep windows open or use additional ventilation systems to enhance air circulation during cooking.
  • Consider Switching to Electric: If feasible, replace your gas stove with an electric one to eliminate exposure to combustion pollutants.
  • Regular Maintenance: Have your gas stove and extractor hood routinely checked and serviced to ensure they operate efficiently.
  • Monitor Indoor Air Quality: Use air quality monitors to track pollutant levels at home, enabling timely interventions if needed.
  • Avoid Using Gas Stoves for Heating: Never use your gas stove or oven as a home heating source to limit exposure to harmful emissions.