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Replacing gas stoves with electric greatly reduces asthma symptoms
UPI ^ | July 23, 2026 | By Ashwini Sehgal, Case Western Reserve University

Posted on 09/04/2026 10:54:09 AM PDT by DoodleBob

More than one-third of American households rely on natural gas stoves to prepare their meals.

Burning natural gas generates carbon dioxide, which is the main driver of climate change. But cooking on gas stoves is also an under-recognized and important source of indoor air pollution. Combustion of natural gas creates nitrogen dioxide and other compounds that can irritate the lungs.

People with preexisting respiratory conditions, such as the 28 million Americans with asthma, may be especially susceptible. An analysis of more than 40 studies found a correlation between nitrogen dioxide levels and asthma symptoms.

I am a physician and medical researcher, and my colleagues and I recently completed the first study to examine whether replacing gas stoves with electric stoves can improve asthma symptoms.

How we conducted the study

Our study included 85 adults and children with poorly controlled asthma who lived in homes or apartments with gas stoves. Asthma control was determined from responses to a standard questionnaire that asked about specific asthma symptoms, activity limitations and use of rescue medication such as fast-acting inhalers.

Contractors removed the gas stoves, safely capped the gas lines, installed the necessary electrical outlets and replaced the stoves with electric induction models at no cost to participants. We chose electric induction stoves because they heat up and cool down rapidly, and they are safer and easier to clean than electric coil stoves.

Our research team assessed asthma control based on a questionnaire participants filled out before the stove replacement and again two to three months afterward. We used air quality monitors to measure indoor nitrogen dioxide levels for seven-day periods before and after stove replacement.

From moderate to mild symptoms

The results were striking: Improvements in asthma symptoms following stove change were similar to -- or even greater than -- those reported in clinical trials of commonly used asthma medications.

On average, participants went from having moderate asthma symptoms to having mild symptoms. Emergency room visits and hospitalizations for asthma fell by 70%. Missed days of work or school because of asthma dropped by about 80%. At the same time, indoor levels of nitrogen dioxide decreased by 70%.

These findings suggest that a relatively simple change in the home -- switching from a gas stove to an electric stove -- may lead to meaningful improvements in asthma control for people who are struggling with their symptoms.

And though the natural gas industry advertises gas stoves as being better for cooking, participants in our study preferred their electric stoves. Nearly all -- 98% -- said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their electric induction stove, compared with only 41% who felt that way about their gas stove.

That said, it is worth noting that our study included a relatively small number of participants and followed them for only a few months. The findings may not apply to people with milder asthma symptoms. We also did not include a comparison group that kept their gas stoves.

Potential obstacles

The cost of replacing gas stoves with electric stoves is likely to be a barrier for low-income communities, both in the U.S. and abroad.

In newer American homes, an electric stove and its installation typically costs about $1,500. Most of our study participants lived in homes that were built before 1960, and we spent an average of $7,000 per household to upgrade their electrical systems as part of the study.

But given the potential cost savings from reduced emergency room visits and hospitalizations, it might make sense for governments or health insurers to subsidize the costs of replacing gas stoves with electric ones for patients with poorly controlled asthma.

In developing countries, the high initial cost of new stoves can be a real impediment to switching. Inadequate home wiring and unreliable electrical grids present additional challenges in many places.

But countries with severe air pollution and a high prevalence of lung conditions may find it's worth the cost.

In Ecuador, one program demonstrated that providing subsidies could help the population transition from gas to electric stoves. From 2015 to 2021, the Ecuadorian government subsidized 750,000 households -- one-tenth of all households in the country -- to replace their gas stoves with electric induction stoves. Program uptake correlated with declines in hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses.

What patients and physicians can do

Switching stoves is not a cure for asthma and may not help everyone. People with asthma should continue working with their physicians, taking prescribed medications and reducing exposure to other asthma triggers, such as cigarette smoke, dust mites, pollen and viral respiratory infections.

But about 80% of our study participants experienced meaningful improvements. So people with poorly controlled asthma may consider transitioning away from gas stoves, depending on their resources and circumstances, to ease their symptoms.

Physicians may also want to ask asthma patients about the use of gas stoves and educate them about potential harms. And builders, landlords and restaurant owners may want to think about the types of stoves they install, as that may be a consideration for the future buyers, renters and employees who will cook in their kitchens.


TOPICS: Food; Science; Society
KEYWORDS: asthma; doodlebobmoron; electric; electricstoves; gas; gasstoves; ovens

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To: struggle

TOTAL BS.

I HAVE HAD BOTH.

GAS IS CHEAPER & FASTER


61 posted on 09/04/2026 1:05:48 PM PDT by ridesthemiles (not giving up on TRUMP---EVER)
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To: GenXPolymath

“As a former professional chef, modern induction cannot be beat…”

As a survivor of a single digit week long ice storm in the South and one in the 1970s on Long Island, when this government who would have me get rid of my gas stove and fireplace, was unable to assist, I prefer gas.


62 posted on 09/04/2026 1:08:19 PM PDT by stanne
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To: woodbutcher1963

I HAVE HAD NAT GAS STOVE—ELECTRIC-—& PROPANE.

HATED THE ELECTRIC.

HAVE HEATED HOUSES WITH NAT GAS-—&
WOOD STOVE: FOR OVER 2553 FEET OF SPACE &
PROPANE FORCED AIR.


63 posted on 09/04/2026 1:08:22 PM PDT by ridesthemiles (not giving up on TRUMP---EVER)
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To: DoodleBob

WITH THE COST OF POWER VS THE COST OF PROPANE-—I SERIOUSLY DOUBT ELECTRIC IS CHEAPER.


64 posted on 09/04/2026 1:09:42 PM PDT by ridesthemiles (not giving up on TRUMP---EVER)
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To: DoodleBob
It's claimed that carbon dioxide therapy stimulates the brain to clear the plaque from nerve cells that are suspected to cause dementia.
65 posted on 09/04/2026 1:10:56 PM PDT by fella ("As it was before Noah so shall it be again," )
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To: DoodleBob
Fun fact;

When the power-lines are down gas usually still works. That's why a lot of rural people heat with propane.

66 posted on 09/04/2026 1:15:55 PM PDT by fella ("As it was before Noah so shall it be again," )
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To: GenXPolymath

Just wrapped up building a commercial kitchen in a high-end subdivision private clubhouse (350 lots - $5 billion worth of homes - and not yet built-out). Money was no object.

100% gas cooking. Plus a really bitchin’ pizza oven that cooks with gas and wood (if you want to).

But the thing about a commercial kitchen is the exhaust hood/make-up air part. Most residential homes don’t have the make-up air part so open the windows. However if your hood is large enough make-up air is required, and in these parts it would need a heater.


67 posted on 09/04/2026 1:27:54 PM PDT by 1FreeAmerican
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To: struggle

I have NEVER seen a Chinese cook use ELECTRIC.

Start with banning gas ovens/stoves/burners in China and then circle back to US.


68 posted on 09/04/2026 1:35:39 PM PDT by Cowgirl of Justice
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To: ansel12

Many years ago my parents bought a house in the midwest with no insulation. It had a boiler to run the radiators for the living spaces, but kerosene heaters were needed to prevent plumbing from freezing up the basement. They ditched the kerosene years ago for a gas fed heater that needs no ventilation for the basement. If the weather gets really cold they will plug in an electric heater.


69 posted on 09/04/2026 1:53:04 PM PDT by EVO X ( )
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To: aspasia

“But you need induction, not those coils...”

Induction is nice but you may have to upgrade your pots and pans. If a magnet will not stick to the bottom of a pan, it will not work on an induction range.


70 posted on 09/04/2026 2:02:20 PM PDT by ByteMercenary (Election 2020 was stolen by mail-in voting. Mail-in voting and RCV counting should be abolished.)
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To: DoodleBob

I have a big-ass, no frills, five burner, semi-pro DeLonghi stove. Gas on top, big electric oven on the bottom. The absolute best combination. My wife says it’s the best stove she’s ever used.


71 posted on 09/04/2026 2:12:57 PM PDT by Rocco DiPippo (Either the Deep State destroys America or we destroy the Deep State. -Donald Trump)
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To: ByteMercenary

The study is not a “blind” study, unless the participants did not notice they had a free new range. I don’t have asthma so the government can go f themselves.


72 posted on 09/04/2026 2:16:09 PM PDT by brookwood (First the left said it was OK to steal. Next they said it was OK to kill and autis)
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To: DoodleBob

They are great, except, they pretty much suck. I mean, other than that.

NG appliances are also esp. nice because they work fine in electrical power outages.


73 posted on 09/04/2026 2:16:24 PM PDT by Freedom4US
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To: I want the USA back

I remember when the stove burned gas.


I remember when the stove burned coal or wood ...


74 posted on 09/04/2026 2:27:20 PM PDT by PIF (They came for me and mine ... now its your turn)
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To: DoodleBob

Says who and based on what?

“electric stoves have a lot fewer downsides. They’re also easier to clean. “


75 posted on 09/04/2026 2:37:34 PM PDT by Dartoid
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To: ClearCase_guy

I am fairly sure all gas stoves have ventilation heck my electric stove has ventilation Don’t buy the gas stove causes asthma either with proper ventilation any fumes go out.


76 posted on 09/04/2026 2:40:29 PM PDT by wild74
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To: DoodleBob

I had allergy induced asthma as a child. A gas stove wasn’t the issue, it was every living thing. I had one shot in each arm every week for seven years and it cured me. Military medicine.

-SB


77 posted on 09/04/2026 2:40:32 PM PDT by Snowybear
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To: DoodleBob
The percentage of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere

As of July 26, 2025, the daily average concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere was 426.91 parts per million (ppm). This translates to approximately 0.0427% of the atmosphere.

.04%

Joe Rogan Reacts To Congressman Destroying Fake Climate Experts

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5iH3aHmhTZA

~~~

For the second straight year, emissions from fossil fuels rose 1.1% in 2025, scientists reported Wednesday at United Nations climate negotiations.

That would be emissions from china and india and other third world countries.

The USA met and exceeded the Paris accords under Trumps first administration with out buying in to the BS and being extorted.

The percentage of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere.

As of July 26, 2025, the daily average concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere was 426.91 parts per million (ppm). This translates to approximately 0.0427% of the atmosphere.

.04%

Joe Rogan Reacts To Congressman Destroying Fake Climate Experts https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5iH3aHmhTZA

Human contributions since the start of the industrial age.

0.01

78 posted on 09/04/2026 2:56:21 PM PDT by BFW
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To: DoodleBob
Bovine product.

And, of course, electric stoves make you more dependent because you can only can in small quantities, or not at all, on your fragile dainty little appliances.

If gas stoves scare you, stick to microwaves.

79 posted on 09/04/2026 3:27:45 PM PDT by Harmless Teddy Bear (I just want FReepers to READ THE ARTICLE. And then think 30 secs before pounding keyboard.)
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To: Secret Agent Man
Only reason why that percentage went up that way is liberals banned install of gas appliances in major urban areas and states. That stat rose because one option was banned.

Amazing how that happens.

80 posted on 09/04/2026 3:31:31 PM PDT by Harmless Teddy Bear (I just want FReepers to READ THE ARTICLE. And then think 30 secs before pounding keyboard.)
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