Is It Necessary to Turn on the Fan Exhaust of a Gas Stove?

Carbon Monoxide

• As by-products of combustion, a gas stove releases air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and other contaminants. Carbon monoxide is the most serious pollutant as it is an odorless gas that can kill people and animals. Carbon monoxide levels rise in the kitchen and house during gas stove operation unless the toxic carbon monoxide is removed by an exhaust fan or other means. Low levels of carbon monoxide lead to poisoning symptoms such as nausea, dizziness or weakness. High levels of carbon monoxide cause effects range from the inability to concentrate to coma and death.

Pollutants

• Gas stove pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide may cause breathing difficulties and respiratory problems such as asthma. Other symptoms include headache, nausea and choking. Use your fan exhaust to clear this air pollutant away from the stove and kitchen. Another gas stove pollutant, sulfur dioxide, irritates the eyes and nose, causing a burning feeling. It is an irritant for asthmatics and, at high levels, can cause serious illness. Like other combustion by-products, it is removed or reduced in the kitchen by fan exhausts that move the pollutant outdoors.

Moisture

• Cooking contributes moisture to the home. Additionally, combustion releases water vapor into the air. When this moisture accumulates, it peels paint, rots wood and causes mold or mildew. The excess moisture damages wood cabinets and rusts exposed metal. Mold caused by excess moisture is a health hazard as it triggers allergies and causes respiratory problems. Cover pans when cooking to reduce water evaporation. Use the fan exhaust to carry damp air and water vapor out of the kitchen.

Tips

• Inspect the gas burners for efficient operation. The burners should light easily and burn with blue flame. Yellow or sooty flames indicate the burners are not working properly. Open an outside window for additional ventilation when the kitchen or house seems stuffy. Install a carbon monoxide detector with an audible alarm in the kitchen and near sleeping quarter. If the alarm goes off, immediately open windows and doors to let fresh air into the home and leave the house until it is aired out. Use the fan exhaust when cooking and clean the exhaust filters so that they do not block air flow to the fan.