Should I worry about my gas hob?

When it comes to cooking, many of us grab a pan, listen for the familiar click of the ignition firing and watch as a blue flame instantly provides heat. In fact, Good Housekeeping says 54% of UK households have a gas hob.

Lack of awareness

While many of us cook on gas, very few of us think about the effect it may have on our health. Which? has taken it upon itself to change this. It surveyed more than 2,000 UK adults about indoor air pollution and discovered only 25% of those using a gas hob to cook were concerned about its possible health side effects.

This is shockingly low given the results of a study published in October 2024. Scientists conducting the research found some pollutants released into the air when cooking on a gas hob in the UK are linked to around 4,000 premature deaths annually.

Health implications

The pollutants in questions are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) – high levels of which have been linked to the development and worsening of some respiratory illnesses. As well as asthma, bronchitis and lung cancer, exposure to NO2 and PM2.5 have been linked to strokes, heart disease, Parkinson’s and dementia.

As well as establishing our lack of knowledge about gas hobs and indoor pollution, Which? conducted an experiment that measured levels of NO2 and PM2.5 when cooking on gas versus an induction hob.

The same pollution as a congested road

It found when cooking on a gas hob, the user was potentially exposed to higher levels of pollution than were measured on central London’s busy Marylebone Road. As well as instant exposure in the immediate cooking vicinity, high levels of pollution were found to have spread to other rooms, and to have lingered long after the cooking was finished. 

The user cooking on an electric-powered induction hob was only exposed to ‘background’ levels of pollution and this was deemed to have come from the outside environment. 

Should I panic?

There is no denying indoor air pollution is a matter of concern, especially with a super-common appliance such as a gas hob giving off some of the highest toxic readings. You can reduce your exposure to pollutants when cooking with gas by:

• Always opening windows and doors while cooking 

• Keeping windows and doors open for a while after the gas is turned off

• Always using an extractor fan, preferably one that vents directly outside

• Minimising the duration when the gas is turned on

• Using as few gas rings as possible

•  Swapping a gas hob for an induction or ceramic model

• Opting for alternative cooking methods, such as slow cookers, air fryers, microwaves and electric ovens

• Ensuring a gas hob is well maintained, cleaned after every use and serviced at least annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer

Moving home is a great time to think about kitchen appliances. If you’re looking to buy a property that has a gas hob, consider changing this when you move in. Alternatively, ask us for a list of houses and flats that have an induction hob. Give us a call and we can help.