Methane and NOx Emissions from Natural Gas Stoves, Cooktops, and Ovens in Residential Homes

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https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.1c04707

Methane and NOx Emissions from Natural Gas Stoves, Cooktops, and Ovens in Residential Homes

Eric D. Lebel*, Colin J. Finnegan, Zutao Ouyang, and Robert B. Jackson
Cite this: Environ. Sci. Technol. 2022, 56, 4, 2529–2539
Publication Date:January 27, 2022
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c04707
Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society

Abstract

Natural gas stoves in >40 million U.S. residences release methane (CH4)─a potent greenhouse gas─through post-meter leaks and incomplete combustion. We quantified methane released in 53 homes during all phases of stove use: steady-state-off (appliance not in use), steady-state-on (during combustion), and transitory periods of ignition and extinguishment. We estimated that natural gas stoves emit 0.8–1.3% of the gas they use as unburned methane and that total U.S. stove emissions are 28.1 [95% confidence interval: 18.5, 41.2] Gg CH4 year–1. More than three-quarters of methane emissions we measured originated during steady-state-off. Using a 20-year timeframe for methane, annual methane emissions from all gas stoves in U.S. homes have a climate impact comparable to the annual carbon dioxide emissions of 500 000 cars. In addition to methane emissions, co-emitted health-damaging air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) are released into home air and can trigger respiratory diseases. In 32 homes, we measured NOx (NO and NO2) emissions and found them to be linearly related to the amount of natural gas burned (r2 = 0.76; p ≪ 0.01). Emissions averaged 21.7 [20.5, 22.9] ng NOx J–1, comprised of 7.8 [7.1, 8.4] ng NO2 J–1 and 14.0 [12.8, 15.1] ng NO J–1. Our data suggest that families who don’t use their range hoods or who have poor ventilation can surpass the 1-h national standard of NO2 (100 ppb) within a few minutes of stove usage, particularly in smaller kitchens.

Synopsis
Natural gas cooking appliances release methane─primarily through small, persistent leaks─and NOx while in use, damaging the climate and degrading indoor air quality.


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[hlthe2b]

1. Having posted on this before & expreessed that this is why I've not gone with the intense gas range

(those hyper-expensive massive new gas cooktops) fad---as pushed on every damned cooking and HGTV remodel show, I'll just echo that this is going to have long-term health repercussions. I know just posting this will have the angry hoards who think cooking sans gas is an epicurean travesty, but... Truth is that there are very real consequences to breathing gas fumes day in and day out. Pick your poison, I guess.

[Lulu KC]

2. We were part of a study on this

when researchers came to our city. After living with electric stoves for decades, I have been so happy to finally have gas again. But now the thrill is gone. We'll replace. We'll live.