Some scientists and chefs, concerned about the health and environmental impact of gas hobs, change to electromagnetic induction stoves or even portable induction burners and advertising some additional benefits. These stories have raised some questions from readers. What about fireplaces or gas stoves? Or propane stoves? Are newer gas stoves less polluting? Are induction cookers safe for those with a pacemaker? Here are the answers to some of these questions.

Where do pollutants from gas cooking come from?

Dave Rose of Innisfil, Ont., Asked if nitrogen oxides – pollutants associated with adverse health effects such as asthma – are naturally present in small amounts in the gas or come from combustion. The answer is that they are produced during combustion when nitrogen and oxygen in the air react with each other due to heat from the flammable gas. Meanwhile, carbon monoxide is produced by incomplete combustion of the gas. Eric Lebel, researcher at PSE Healthy Energy in California and co-author a recent study on pollution from gas stovessaid his team is beginning to look at the composition of gas in several cities, including Toronto and Vancouver. Although it is mainly methane, he said, “there could be other pollutants in the gas.” These could include volatile organic compounds and sulfur compounds used to produce gas – which is usually odorless – odorless and therefore detectable when there are leaks. CLOCKS Why gas stoves are bad for the climate – and you:

Because gas stoves are bad for the climate – and so are you

Gas stoves create dangerous levels of indoor air pollution and leak climate-changing methane. Now, some chefs support this alternative. 3:08
Of course, some pollutants are produced by heating cooking ingredients, such as oil and fat (and any food you burn), regardless of the type of kitchen you use, so it is a good idea to turn on the hood fan.

Do propane stoves have the same problems as gas stoves?

While our stories were about gas stoves, Peter Gosse from St. John’s, NL, has a different kind of gas stove and wrote to ask how it compares. University of Saskatchewan professor Tara Kahan, who has studied stove pollution, said that high levels of nitrogen oxides are emitted when cooking with propane stoves, so the health effects would be expected to be similar: “In terms of air quality is not an obvious improvement over methane. “ Label said the contamination from cooking with propane is something his team is “actively studying.” LISTEN Gas-free cooking: Why cities cut methane from homes: What On Earth29: 58Cooking without gas: why cities cut methane from homes Some municipalities are removing gas from buildings in a turn towards a greener future. Laura Lynch checks in two cities on both sides of Lake Ontario, both leading the way. 29:58
He acknowledged that climate change is expected to be lower with propane. This is because natural gas consists of methane, a greenhouse gas much more powerful than carbon dioxide. Lebel’s research has shown this leaks into the atmosphere even when the stove is not in use. “We are not so worried about propane leaks, as it is not as strong a greenhouse gas as methane,” Lebel said. “However, CO2 is still produced during combustion, in the same way that it is produced from methane.”

Do newer, more expensive, better-maintained gas stoves have less leakage and produce less pollutants?

As part of Lebel’s study, researchers looked at stoves between the ages of three and 30. The study found no relationship between the age of the stove or the purchase price when it came to methane or nitrous oxide emissionsafter taking into account energy production (which affects emissions). Rob Jackson, a professor at Stanford University who co-authored the study, said there are many connections between the stove and the gas networks that have a small leak. “Often, even when properly installed, there is no way to seal the system properly.” CLOCKS The discussion about gas and induction stoves:

The discussion about gas and induction stoves

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Maintenance can reduce CO emissions to some extent. In the US, since 1926, kitchens have been allowed to emit up to 800 ppm CO (much higher than the Environmental Protection Agency’s nine ppm exposure standard), according to an article by TH Greiner, an engineer at Iowa State University: “A new series can emit as much as the old series.” However, the article says that field technicians report that most kitchen rows can be adjusted to produce less than 50 ppm.

What about pollution from fireplaces and gas stoves?

Lorraine Mccannell asked: “Any research done on fireplaces and gas stoves that have the same effect as stoves?” While gas fireplaces, stoves and water heaters burn and leak methane, and therefore cause climate concern, Lebel and Jackson say there is less concern than gas stoves in terms of health. This is because, unlike stoves, they are generally required to have outside ventilation (or chimney). Jackson said, “I do not really expect gas fireplaces to be such a major source of indoor air pollution.” He added, however, that his team is starting to count them to find out for sure. Gas fireplaces are expected to cause less indoor air pollution compared to stoves, as they are required to be ventilated directly outside. However, researchers say that they are going to do studies to answer this question immediately. (David Goldman / Associated Press)
Ovens and water heaters are usually located in areas such as basements, where people spend less time than in kitchens. That said, Michael Thomas, founder of Carbon Switch, published on the blog his experience with measuring nitrogen oxides in his home earlier this year, and found that they were fired early in the morning when the kiln was on, indicating that dirt was leaking from the kiln.

If I have gas appliances in my house, is there a way to test the pollutants in the air?

Thomas tested his air with an air quality monitor he bought online. He said that measuring nitrogen oxides is unfortunately expensive (about $ 300; a Canadian retailer sells the model Thomas has for more than $ 450 Cdn) and is hard to find. Michael Thomas keeps an air monitor he used to measure the air quality in his home. He says devices that measure nitrogen oxide pollutants tend to be expensive and difficult to find. (CBC News)
If you are interested in other types of pollutants and live in Toronto or Vancouver, you can volunteer for the next part of Lebel’s studyheld in May. This part of the study will not test for gaseous pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, but for gaseous pollutants from your stove.

Is it true that people with pacemakers can not use induction cookers?

It is true that the magnetic fields generated by induction cookers can affect devices such as pacemakers and insulin pumps. Organizations such as the British Heart Foundation and induction hob manufacturers say that people with such devices should keep them 60 cm away from an induction hob when it is lit. Induction stoves have been touted as a fast and powerful alternative to gas stoves. However, people with a pacemaker are advised to stay 60 cm from the hearth while it is on. (Kim Brunhuber / CBC)