A review of the epidemiological evidence on health effects of nitrogen dioxide exposure from gas stoves

Abstract

This review addresses the evidence on the health effects of exposure to emissions of NO² from gas stoves, covering findings of 45 epidemiological studies. These studies had addressed diverse outcome measures, including the risks of acute respiratory illness, decreased pulmonary function, respiratory symptoms and asthma exacerbation. Although most studies have focused on schoolchildren, studies of adults and more recently, prospective studies of infants have also been carried out. The findings have not been consistent across all studies in showing adverse effects. We conclude that the evidence does not support a causal relationship between exposure NO² or use of a gas stove and increased risk for respiratory morbidity at the levels of NO₂ typically associated with gas stoves. Some studies do show increased risk for respiratory health effects, however, and the evidence does not support the conclusion that NO₂ emitted by gas stoves is risk-free. Further research would be indicated if populations receiving exposures in a range of interest can be identified. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This review addresses the evidence on the health effects of exposure to emissions of NO² from gas stoves, covering findings of 45 epidemiological studies. These studies had addressed diverse outcome measures, including the risks of acute respiratory illness, decreased pulmonary function, respiratory symptoms and asthma exacerbation. Although most studies have focused on schoolchildren, studies of adults and more recently, prospective studies of infants have also been carried out. The findings have not been consistent across all studies in showing adverse effects. We conclude that the evidence does not support a causal relationship between exposure NO² or use of a gas stove and increased risk for respiratory morbidity at the levels of NO₂ typically associated with gas stoves. Some studies do show increased risk for respiratory health effects, however, and the evidence does not support the conclusion that NO₂ emitted by gas stoves is risk-free. Further research would be indicated if populations receiving exposures in a range of interest can be identified. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.