Gas hob dangers: your questions answered

Are you in the 75% of people who aren’t concerned about or don’t realise the indoor pollution risks of using a gas hob? Good Housekeeping recently discovered many of us are unaware about the serious health risks of cooking with gas but it’s an issue that’s gaining more prominence.

In this blog, we answer some of the most commonly-asked questions about cooking using a gas hob. 

Q. Why are gas hobs in the press?

A. There have been a number of recent studies that show gas hobs can give off harmful pollutants when used. One scientist-led report found gas hob use in the UK contributed to approximately 4,000 premature deaths. A separate piece of research by consumer group Which? found people cooking on a gas hob can be exposed to higher levels of air pollution than found on London’s congested Marylebone Road.

Q. How many homes have gas hobs?

A. Good Housekeeping estimates that 54% of UK households have a gas hob installed in the kitchen.

Q. What happens when I light my gas hob?

A. Every time you light a gas hob, pollutants are released into the air as a result of combustion. The burning process and high temperatures will cause nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to be produced.

Q. How can my gas hob make me ill?

A. Both NO2 and PM2.5 are detrimental to respiratory health. Their presence can cause some people to develop asthma, bronchitis and lung cancer, while such diseases can worsen if the pollutants are present in the home. Research has also linked NO2 and PM2.5 to a higher chance of developing heart disease, Parkinson’s and dementia, as well as increasing the risk of a stroke.

Q. Should I remove my gas hob?

A. If you’re already suffering from a respiratory illness or you are worried about the risks of long-term indoor air pollution, removing your gas hob is a good idea. Always book a Gas Safe registered engineer to remove any gas appliance safely and cap the supply. 

Q. What gas alternatives are there?

A. There are two main types of electric hob – induction and ceramic – and neither use gas. Keen cooks can also embrace different ways of cooking using air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves, steamers and electric ovens.

Q. Are there any other downsides of using a gas hob?

A. Like all gas appliances. There is the chance they may leach deadly carbon monoxide into the home. This is more likely if the gas hob is old and/or poorly maintained. Signs to look out for include a flame that burns orange or yellow, and not bright blue, a strong smell of gas when the flame is lit and black/brown sooty deposits around the burners. 

Additionally, the presence of gas is a combustion risk. If the gas is left on or there is a leak, there could be an explosion. This is one of the reasons why new blocks of flats rarely feature any gas appliances.

Q. How can I reduce the risks when cooking with gas?

A. Not everyone will be able to remove a gas hob but, thankfully, there are ways to minimise your exposure to NO2 and PM2.5. Always ventilate when cooking with gas – have windows and doors open and leave them open for a while after the gas has been turned off. How you cook matters too. Try to keep gas cooking as short as possible (don’t keep a pan on the flame for hours) and use as few rings as possible.

If there is an extractor fan, always use it or look to get one installed – preferably with a vent that goes directly outside. Maintaining your gas hob is also important. Clean parts after every use, don’t let deposits build up on the burners and get your gas hob serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer at least every year.

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