1-minute News | Gas stove causes cancer! Stanford research: cooking a meal at home is equivalent to inhaling car exhaust for 20 minutes

Recently, a research team at Stanford University discovered a surprising carcinogen: the widely used gas stove in kitchens. When using gas or liquefied petroleum gas (propane), the stove emits a large amount of benzene, classified as a Class one carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Prolonged exposure to benzene can increase the risk of developing leukemia and lymphoma. Using the air quality in the Pearl River Delta in China as a reference, cooking at home for 20 minutes is equivalent to standing by the roadside inhaling car exhaust for 20 minutes during rush hour.

In fact, the current gas penetration rate in our country is as high as 98%. For everyday users reliant on gas stoves, how can they minimize the harm of gas stoves? Firstly, improve ventilation to enhance kitchen air quality. For example, opening windows or using an exhaust hood can help eliminate smoke and grease from the kitchen. Secondly, conduct regular inspections and maintenance on gas stoves. Check if the gas pipelines and stove interfaces are securely fastened, ensure the gas stove flames are a healthy blue color, and keep the gas stove in optimal condition. Thirdly, adjust cooking heat and time, encourage slow cooking over low heat and utilize pot lids to reduce the generation of cooking fumes.