Gas cooking may worsen asthma

A new US study suggests that using gas stoves at home may worsen asthma symptoms by reducing indoor air quality.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University studied 85 children and adults with moderate to severe asthma.

Participants used gas stoves for four weeks before researchers replaced them with electric stoves at no cost.

Their health was then monitored for another two to three months.  The team also measured indoor air pollution before and after the switch.

The study found that burning natural gas releases harmful gases including nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide which can affect lung health over time.

After switching to electric stoves nitrogen dioxide levels inside homes dropped by up to 70% while asthma symptoms became less severe.

Researchers said the health improvements were similar to or even better than those usually seen with asthma medication.

The study also found an 80% drop in asthma related absences from work or school and a 70% reduction in doctor visits.

However the researchers said the study was small and lasted only a few months so larger and longer studies are needed to confirm the findings.