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3w ago

Stanford Study Links Gas Stove Emissions to Elevated Cancer Risk in Children

Research finds children face nearly double the lifetime leukemia risk from benzene exposure in homes with gas stoves, especially in smaller or poorly ventilated spaces.

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A Stanford study found that gas stoves emit benzene, nearly doubling the cancer risk in children compared with adults — especially in homes with poor ventilation.
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Overview

  • A Stanford University study confirms that natural gas and propane stoves emit benzene, a carcinogen linked to leukemia and other blood-related cancers.
  • Children’s lifetime cancer risk from gas stove-related benzene exposure is 1.85 times higher than that of adults, due to higher air intake relative to body size.
  • The study highlights elevated benzene levels in smaller apartments and poorly ventilated homes, with risks extending to living rooms and bedrooms.
  • While high-efficiency ventilation systems reduce benzene concentrations, they do not fully eliminate the health risks; switching to electric stoves offers complete mitigation.
  • Policy responses include New York’s phased ban on new gas stove installations starting in 2026 and federal actions protecting consumer choice, reflecting ongoing debate.