Is gas cooking with asthma bad

Gas cooking with asthma and respiratory health

People have different viewpoints on whether or not gas cooking is advisable for asthmatic patients. The truth is that gas releases fumes that may cause lung irritations, which can trigger asthmatic attacks in sufferers.

This does not necessarily mean that gas cooking is terrible for asthmatic patients, nor does it mean that they cannot use gas appliances. However, if you are asthmatic, there are some precautions you will need to take, which can come from learning more and following along with this read.

Why do many people prefer gas for cooking?

Cooking with gas can be an excellent way of making a proud statement that you have achieved and attained another level of greatness. It is sad to note, however, that Australia has one of the highest asthma records in the world, with one in every ten people suffering from the condition.

Many individuals from different households have suffered from the effects caused by the by-products of gas cooking. Gas cooking produces these by-products from the way gas stoves work.

This is not an attempt to scare people to rush out and get their gas stoves replaced with electric ones, but it is essential to know how gas stoves work as it will make you understand their effect on symptoms recorded on asthma.

How do gas stoves work?

On any gas stovetop, you will find the burner assembly and a small gas valve connected to the house's main gas line. As soon as the gas stove's knob gets turned, the valve opens, allowing natural gas to flow through.

The gas flows through a wide tube which gets narrower so that the pressure of the gas increases. The gas gets to a broader tube, and this causes a sharp drop in the gas pressure, leading to the sucking of oxygen into the tube.

Mixing oxygen with the gas gives the perfect mixture that produces a flame. The combination finds its way into the burner and can be lit by an igniter or pilot light to create the flame we all have come to know and appreciate for gas cooking. In the chemical reaction where the combustion of the gas and oxygen occurs, carbon dioxide, water vapour, and other by-products are produced.

Can gas cooking worsen asthma symptoms?

A report released by the Climate Council in Australia outlined the dangers of gas to health. The report compared the chances of a child who lives with gas cooking in their home having asthma to that of a child who lives with household cigarette smoke.

Different things occur with gas cooking that can affect the well-being of members of a household. Unfortunately, many people are oblivious to these things and get affected later. While cooking with gas is very convenient for many people, many harmful chemicals get released into the air.

The chemicals released this way can elicit asthma symptoms and aggravate several other types of respiratory conditions. Notable among the chemicals that are usually released are carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. The situation can worsen when people with asthma find themselves in this environment.

The chemicals released into the air with gas cooking can also be in the form of particles, which are pollutants. In other words, gas cooking can quickly pollute indoor air and lead to significant discomfort for people with asthma.

Other health implications of gas cooking

Dehydration may occur

It has been observed that cooking with gas quickly leads to dehydration. The heat generated makes it easy for the human body to lose water through breathing and sweating. However, you should understand that gas stoves can release water vapour into the air.

The water vapour released this way can trigger asthma symptoms and sometimes make them worse. It can also aggravate other respiratory problems, such as sinusitis, rhinitis, and bronchitis. With large amounts of moisture, normal breathing can become difficult.

Allergies can become worse

The particles emitted with gas cooking by gas stoves can worsen allergies. Respiratory conditions can be easily aggravated when these particles are inhaled, especially with prolonged use of gas cooking.

Foods can become contaminated

If it is possible for pollutants to be released into the air with gas cooking, these pollutants can also contaminate food. When these particles stay airborne for some time, they will settle on items in the kitchen soon after.

Such items can include food with the resultant effect of their contamination. Contaminated food can cause asthma symptoms, or it can make it worse. Some other respiratory conditions can also become aggravated.

Eye irritation

Eye irritation can be one of the aftermath effects of cooking with gas. This is so because the particles released when gas stoves are used can irritate the eyes. This can lead to inflammation of the eyes, which will make them red and water. With eye irritation, asthma symptoms can be triggered, aggravating respiratory conditions.

Explosion may occur

Since the gas used when gas stoves are employed for cooking is flammable, there is always a risk of explosion. With a gas leak, an explosion can occur when there is an unguarded flame ignition. People with asthma may get caught in the harmful fumes resulting from this, and there may be severe casualties or death to anybody around the explosion.

Several accidents involving gas explosions are recorded yearly, so it is crucial to be highly cautious when cooking with gas. If asthmatic people cannot avoid cooking with gas, they need to take precautions to reduce the risks involved with cooking with gas.

Reduce asthma triggers when using gas stoves

There are different triggers for childhood asthma, but one more frequent than others is exposure to the irritants released in the air. These irritants include pollution, fumes, and smoke. Unfortunately, many people find themselves in environments where they have to contend with these pollutants, and they seem oblivious of what harm they can cause them.

If you use gas for cooking, the following tips can help you or your child in case you have asthma.

Install an exhaust fan

Ensure an exhaust fan is installed in your kitchen and use it anytime you cook with gas. Doing this can go a long way in removing harmful particles released and suspended in the air. By venting the exhaust fan outside the home, these particles can be withdrawn from the kitchen or space within the house where they can be inhaled.

Keep windows open

There should be fresh air in the kitchen anytime you cook; you can achieve this by opening the windows when cooking with gas. This keeps the kitchen ventilated and removes harmful particles from the air.

Having a cross-breeze gets harmful particles in the air withdrawn from the kitchen. It is advisable to avoid cooking with gas during cold weather because, during this period, ventilating the kitchen will be more difficult.

Buy flued gas heaters

If it interests you to use a gas heater, you should go for the flued type. One of the good things about this type of heater is that they do not release or pollute the air with particles. This reduces the risk of setting off asthma symptoms. Since they do not require oxygen, it is also reasonably safe to use them indoors.

Keep the stove clean every time

Keeping the stove clean every time you cook with gas will reduce the number of particles released into the air. Regular cleaning of the stovetop after each use will help you eliminate stubborn stains. However, you should not use strong cleaning products because they can release harmful chemicals into the air.

Start using a range hood

The design of range hoods helps in removing harmful particles from the air. Their design ensures that when used in the kitchen, they not only ventilate but also remove contaminants in the air. You can get a range hood installed above your stove, and once you start cooking, you simply turn it on.

Repair all gas leaks promptly

Whenever you observe a gas leakage, you should not delay repairing it. Immediate repair prevents an explosion because the gas can easily ignite. Get in touch with a professional as soon as you discover a gas leakage in your gas stove.

Get medical help immediately

In case you have been exposed to harmful particles released from your gas stove, you need to seek medical help without delay. If you have asthma, consider taking your reliever inhaler everywhere you go.

Take note that cooking with gas can be dangerous for asthmatic people. You may dump gas cooking altogether in favour of an electric alternative. Protect yourself and others from harmful particles that your gas stove may release.

Choosing a suitable gas heater for asthmatics

If you are asthmatic and interested in using a gas heater, you must buy a good one. A good gas heater can provide you with comfort and warmth. However, you must make some essential considerations before choosing the gas heater you will use in your home.

Ensure that the heater is certified

All gas heaters must be certified in Australia by the Australian Gas Association before use. Doing this ensures they are tested and comply with strict safety standards. Gas heaters that pass through this stage will not release harmful emissions that can trigger an asthma attack.

Service your gas heater regularly

One thing you should remember is to let a qualified technician service any gas appliance you use. This habit will help you ensure that you use the appliance safely and efficiently. If you are asthmatic, let your technician know of your condition so that special precautions may be taken when servicing your heater.

Use the manufacturer's instructions

Find the time to review the manufacturer's instructions after buying a gas heater. Adhering to these instructions will help you to maintain it safe when in use and avoid potential problems that may come up. Another important thing you need to note is that you should never attempt repairing or modifying your gas heater.

Always contact a professional for gas fitting

There are different types of gas cookers, and you may experience some difficulty in deciding which one is the best for you. Even if you buy one all by yourself, you will still need help from a professional to install it.

Just as with any gas appliance, you need the help of a professional gas fitter to install and maintain a gas heater or stove. This step cannot be trivialised by anyone, especially asthmatic individuals, as it is crucial to avoid the type of gas appliances that can worsen asthma symptoms.

It is understandable when people prefer gas heaters or stoves over electric ones because they are more convenient and efficient for cooking. However, safety at all times is paramount, so you should allow a professional to recommend the best options for you.