How much do gas stoves pollute?

Gas stoves are certainly not environmentally friendly. And in addition to representing a source of possible waste in the kitchen, They emit nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and formaldehyde. All materials from indoor pollution with potential health risks.

EMISSIONS FROM GAS COOKERS

But emissions from gas cookers have another rather worrying aspect: they also occur when cookers and forno They are turned off. To a lesser extent, of course, but they exist. According to a study conducted by the University of California and published in New York TimesThese emissions, when the stove is turned off, account for up to 1,3 percent of the total. And if you multiply this figure by all the gas stoves in the United States, you get total annual emissions equal to those of 500 cars. It goes without saying that the effects of pollution from kitchen emissions are more severe when the spaces are small and ventilation is poor.

ALSO READ: How to save gas with your boiler

HOW MUCH POLLUTION DOES COOKING PRODUCE?

To give an idea of ​​the impact of cooking-related pollution, data shows that concentrations of ultrafine particles in kitchens after using gas stoves and ovens can be 10 to 40 times higher than before cooking began. In Hong Kong, cooking has been found to account for approximately 62 percent of total household pollution in residents' homes in the Asian metropolis.

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HOW TO USE A GAS STOVE

The health risks associated with pollution, and not only, when using a gas stove, are greatly reduced if certain precautions are taken.

• The kitchen, whether small or large, must always be well ventilated.. Especially after using the stove and oven and after cooking
• Check that the flame is blueIf it's orange, it means combustion is incomplete. This increases methane and nitrogen oxide emissions.
• The burners must always be clean and well centeredDirt increases pollution factors, and if they are not well focused, gas consumption increases.
• Perform regular maintenance and check the gas pipe and valves in particular
• When you smell gas, turn off the meter and open doors and windows.

WHAT SHOULD THE STOVE FLAME BE LIKE?

The flame of the stove must be regular, stable e silentIt should not produce smoke, and the central cone should be bright blue. If the flame does not have these characteristics, there could be several causes: the nozzle is not suitable or is blocked, the burner or crown is deformed, the air supply is not properly regulated, or the crown holes are blocked. In any case, it is advisable to have a technician intervene to resolve the problem, and absolutely avoid any attempt. do-it-yourself.

TO KNOW MORE: How to save gas in the kitchen

WHAT COLOR SHOULD THE GAS FLAME BE IN THE KITCHEN?

The gas flame in the kitchen it must be blue. Tending towards blue. Methane, in fact, is mixed with oxygen and a good quality of the product, with good combustion, produces this color. If the flame is yellow, the mixture is of inferior quality (it is the color of the flame of a burning candle), or in the nozzles of the hob there are remnants of table salt or detergents.

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