Dr Joe Day, the Knowledge Exchange Fellow of the WM-Net Zero project, recently attended an important event hosted by Global Action Plan at the UK Parliament. The event brought together policymakers, health experts, and industry representatives to discuss the often-overlooked issue of air pollution caused by gas cookers.
Gas cookers significantly impact indoor air quality, with nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels in homes using gas stoves potentially being up to 400% higher compared to homes without them. Additionally, these appliances can emit benzene, a harmful carcinogen. Transitioning to electric cooking, particularly induction hobs, not only addresses these health concerns but also contributes to improved public health and reduced household emissions.
During the event, experts highlighted how communities, such as those in Manchester’s social housing projects, are already benefiting from electric cooking solutions. Advantages include cleaner indoor air, faster and safer cooking experiences, and modern, user-friendly kitchen environments.
It was wonderful to see policymakers, health experts and industry come together to highlight the lesser spoken about challenge of phasing out gas for cooking. Not only do these appliances create harmful levels of exposure to NO2 within the home, putting residents at risks of respiratory conditions, but they can also lead to dangerous concentrations of the carcinogen benzene. Advances in induction hob cookers are naturally increasing their market share and social housing communities in Manchester are enjoying the benefits such as cleaner air, faster cooking times, a modern aesthetic and ease of cleaning. Policy must therefore ensure a timely phaseout of gas cooking, which takes account of the electricity price disparity and the diverse needs of households (e.g. food items common in some cultures which traditionally require a open flame).
Dr Joe Day, Knowledge Exchange Fellow/WM-Net Zero
The event was sponsored by Afzal Khan MP and included valuable insights from partners such as CLASP, PSE Healthy Energy, and Universitat Jaume I.
Moving forward, the WM-Net Zero team will continue supporting initiatives that aim for healthier homes, cleaner air, and sustainable living environments across the West Midlands.
