Are induction stoves that much safer than gas? We tested them. [View all]

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CLIMATE COACH

Are induction stoves that much safer than gas? We tested them.

Scientists’ best answer, at the moment, to whether you should ditch your gas stove is: We’re not sure yet

Advice by Michael J. Coren, John Farrell and Alice Li
January 16, 2024 at 6:30 a.m. EST

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In 40 million American homes, the “click” of a gas stove igniting is the sound of dinner.

But millions of people are questioning whether they should keep this classic American appliance in their kitchen. For decades, a steady drumbeat of studies has pointed to the risks of burning methane in our homes, from asthma to chronic respiratory diseases, especially in children and the elderly. ... Does that mean you should ditch your gas stove?

Scientists’ best answer, at the moment, is: We’re not sure yet. There’s no doubt pollutants produced by gas stoves, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), formaldehyde and benzene harm your health. What we don’t know is whether the amounts spewed by gas stoves into your home can make you sick.

So we launched an experiment to help shed some light on the dilemma. We tested how pollutants from cooking infiltrate a typical American kitchen equipped with a gas stove, and the steps Americans can take to protect their health.

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By Michael J. Coren
Michael is a journalist writing the "Climate Coach" advice column for The Washington Post. Before joining the Post in 2022, he spent nearly two decades as a reporter and editor covering climate, technology, and economics for outlets such as Quartz and CNN.com. He was also the managing editor of Cambodia’s Phnom Penh Post. Twitter https://twitter.com/mj_coren

By John Farrell
John Farrell is a breaking news editor for The Washington Post. He produces original videos and coordinates live events for The Post's homepage. Twitter https://twitter.com/jafarrell17

By Alice Li
Alice Li is a national visual journalist for The Washington Post, with a focus on stories out West. Twitter https://twitter.com/byaliceli