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Gas Cooking And Respiratory Health
If you or someone close to you have asthma, you may be wondering if gas cooking is bad for your condition. After all, gas produces fumes that can irritate your lungs and trigger an asthma attack. Gas cooking is not necessarily bad for asthma sufferers, and it doesn't mean you can't use gas appliances if you have asthma. It is more a matter of taking precautions and using the proper ventilation. Let's look at this in more detail.
Does Gas Cooking Worsen Asthma Symptoms?
Releasing harmful chemicals
When cooking with gas, harmful chemicals are released into the air. These chemicals can trigger asthma symptoms and aggravate other respiratory conditions. These chemicals include nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide.
Increasing indoor pollution
Cooking with gas also increases indoor pollution. This is because gas stoves release particles into the air when they are in use. These particles can trigger asthma symptoms and make them worse. The particles can also aggravate other respiratory conditions. Gas cooking worsens indoor air pollution because it increases the number of particles in the air.
Causing dehydration
Cooking with gas can also cause dehydration. The heat can cause the body to lose water through sweating and breathing. Dehydration can make it difficult to breathe, especially for people with asthma. It can also trigger asthma and make the symptoms worse.
Creating moisture
Gas cooking can also create moisture. Gas stoves release water vapor when in use, which can trigger asthma symptoms and worsen them. It can also aggravate other respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis. More moisture in the atmosphere makes it difficult to breathe.
Worsening allergies
Gas cooking can also worsen allergies as gas stoves emit particles into the air, triggering asthma symptoms and worsening them. The particles can also aggravate other respiratory conditions. This is because gas stoves can also be air pollutants because they increase the number of particles in the air.
Contaminating food
Cooking with gas can also contaminate food. The particles from gas stoves can settle on food and make it contaminated. Food contamination can cause asthma symptoms and make them worse. It can also aggravate other respiratory conditions.
Causing eye irritation
Cooking with gas can also cause eye irritation. This is because gas stoves release particles into the air when they are used. These particles can irritate the eyes and make them red and watery. Eye irritation can trigger asthma symptoms and aggravate other respiratory conditions.
Causing an explosion
Cooking with gas can also cause an explosion because gas is flammable. If there is a gas leak, the gas can ignite and cause an explosion. It can be hazardous for people with asthma as they may be caught in the blast or inhale harmful fumes.
Every year, there are many accidents involving gas explosions. So, it is essential to be very careful when cooking with gas. An asthmatic person should try to avoid cooking with gas if possible. They should take precautions to minimise the risks if they have to cook with gas.
Reduce Asthma Triggers While Using Gas Stoves
One of the most frequent triggers for childhood asthma is exposure to irritants in the air, such as smoke, pollution, or fumes. Here are some tips to consider if you or your child has asthma and you're thinking about using gas for cooking.
Use an exhaust fan
Make sure to use an exhaust fan when cooking with gas. This will help to remove the harmful particles from the air. You should vent the exhaust fan outside the home and ensure you turn it on before you start cooking.
Open windows
You should also open the windows when cooking with gas. It will help to ventilate the kitchen and remove harmful particles from the air. Your kitchen needs to be well-ventilated when cooking with gas. A cross-breeze from an open window can help to remove harmful particles from the air. Moreover, you should avoid cooking with gas when the weather is cold as it will be more difficult to ventilate the kitchen.
Use a stovetop fan
You can also use a stovetop fan when cooking with gas. This will help to circulate the air and remove harmful particles from the air. You should place the fan on the counter near the stove and ensure you turn it on before you start cooking.
Use flued gas heaters
If you have to use a gas heater, ensure it is flued. Flued gas heaters do not release particles into the air. It will help to reduce the risk of triggering asthma symptoms. They also do not use oxygen, so they are safer to use indoors and in enclosed spaces.
Keep the stove clean
You should always keep the stove clean when cooking with gas. This will minimise the number of particles released into the air. You should clean the stovetop after each use and clean stubborn stains regularly. Avoid using any strong cleaning products as they can release harmful chemicals into the air.
Use range hoods
Range hoods can help to remove harmful particles from the air. They are specially designed to ventilate kitchens and remove contaminants from the air. You can install a range hood directly above your stove and ensure you turn it on when cooking.
Avoid using aerosols
Avoid using aerosols when cooking with gas. This is because they can release harmful chemicals into the air. If you must use an aerosol, open the windows and doors to ventilate the kitchen. The chemicals released by the aerosol can trigger asthma symptoms.
Be careful when using gas
You must always be careful when using gas. If there is a gas leak, the gas could ignite and cause an explosion. It can be perilous for people with asthma as they may be caught in an explosion or inhale harmful fumes. So, you have to be especially cautious when cooking with gas.
Use natural ventilation
If possible, you should use natural ventilation when cooking with gas. This will help remove harmful particles from the air without using devices. You can open the windows and doors to ventilate the kitchen or cook near an open window. However, you should be mindful, so you do not let too much cold air in, as it can trigger asthma symptoms.
Repair any gas leakages
If there is a gas leakage, you should repair it immediately. The gas can ignite and cause an explosion. So, it is essential to repair any gas leakages immediately. Contact a professional for emergency repairs.
Seek medical help
If you are exposed to the harmful particles released by the stove, you should seek medical help immediately. The particles can trigger asthma symptoms and make them worse. If you have asthma, you should always carry your reliever inhaler with you.
If you are asthmatic, cooking with gas can be dangerous. You might consider quitting the gas cooking habit altogether and using an electric alternative. Take the necessary precautions to protect others and yourself from the harmful particles released by the stove.
Choosing Suitable Gas Heaters For Asthmatics
If you're asthmatic, you know how important it is to have a good gas heater. They provide warmth and comfort, thereby helping to reduce the symptoms of asthma. There are a few vital considerations when choosing a gas heater for your home.
Make sure the heater is certified
In Australia, the Australian Gas Association must certify all gas heaters before use. This means they have been tested and meet strict safety standards. These standards help to ensure that the heater will not produce any harmful emissions that could trigger an asthma attack.
Look for a low-emission gas heater
Low emission gas heaters are available from several manufacturers. These heaters use less gas and produce fewer emissions than traditional heaters. This can make them a good choice for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Consider an infrared gas heater
Infrared gas heaters work by heating objects in the room rather than the air around them. It can provide a more comfortable and evenly-heated environment and may be less likely to trigger asthma symptoms.
Choose the right size heater for your needs
It's important to choose a gas heater that is the right size for your home. A too-large heater will use more gas and produce more emissions, while a too-small heater will be less effective at heating your home.
Get regular servicing for your gas heater
It's essential to have your gas appliance regularly serviced by a qualified technician. This will help to ensure that it is operating safely and efficiently. Inform the technician of your condition so that they can take any special precautions when servicing your heater.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions
Take your time carefully reviewing the manufacturer's instructions before using your gas heater. It will help you to use it safely and avoid any potential problems. Most importantly, never try to repair or modify your gas heater yourself. This task can be extremely dangerous and should always be left to a qualified technician.
Professional Gas Fitting
If you're unsure which gas cooker is right for your home or need help with gas stove installation, be sure to call a professional. Professionals can help you to choose the right appliance for your needs and ensure it is installed correctly. When you or someone you love has asthma, it is essential to choose gas appliances that will not worsen asthma symptoms.
Since gas appliances are usually more efficient than electric ones, it is understandable to prefer a gas stove or gas heater over an electric one. However, safety is paramount, so be sure to work with a professional who can recommend the best options to help keep you and your home safe and comfortable.
