High levels of NO2 exposure from gas cooking can exacerbate respiratory issues, particularly in children, as noted by the World Health Organization.

In response to these health concerns, the European Public Health Alliance is advocating for the phase-out of gas cookers, proposing stricter emission limits and financial incentives for cleaner alternatives.

Gas cookers are a significant source of harmful gases, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which pose serious health risks, yet public awareness of these dangers remains alarmingly low.

Despite the known risks, there is a significant lack of public awareness regarding the dangers posed by gas cooking, which has been shown to produce higher NO2 levels compared to electric stoves.

Moreover, gas cookers emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas, even when not in use, contributing further to environmental concerns.

A recent study estimates that gas cookers are responsible for approximately 39,959 premature deaths in the EU and UK, with nearly 4,000 of those occurring in the UK alone.

This alarming statistic highlights that gas stoves contribute to an estimated 40,000 premature deaths across Europe each year, surpassing fatalities from car accidents.

Currently, about one-third of households in Europe rely on gas for cooking, with usage rates climbing to 54% in the UK and exceeding 60% in countries like Italy and Romania.

In Portugal, gas cooker pollution is linked to 105 annual deaths, according to research from Jaume I University in Spain.

The research also indicates that using gas stoves can reduce an individual's life expectancy by nearly two years on average.

The study, which is the first of its kind, reveals that indoor pollution levels from gas cookers often exceed World Health Organization guidelines, underscoring the urgent need for public awareness and action.

As scientists continue to assess the health risks associated with gas cookers, it is clear that the actual impact may be even greater than reported, due to limited data on other harmful pollutants.