Burning Gas Indoors Releases Toxic Combustion Chemicals
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/6/2026
Every time you turn on a gas stove, you're releasing combustion byproducts into your home. We're talking about nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. Right where your family breathes.
What the Experts Said
A 2026 summary in Environmental Health from the 18th International Products of Incomplete Combustion (PIC) Congress reviewed the latest evidence on combustion byproducts and human health. Scientists from the EPA, Duke University, and UNC presented research on how burning fuels indoors (gas stoves, fireplaces, candles) creates a toxic cocktail of chemicals.
Gas stoves produce nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at levels that regularly exceed outdoor air quality standards, inside your kitchen. NO2 exposure is linked to childhood asthma, respiratory infections, and reduced lung function.
It's Not Just Gas Stoves
Candles, fireplaces, wood stoves, and incense all produce combustion byproducts. Wildfires push smoke indoors. Even cooking with oil at high temperatures creates harmful particles. Indoor air quality is often 2 to 5 times worse than outdoor air.
What You Can Do
Use your range hood every time you cook (vent it outside, not just recirculate). Open windows when using gas appliances. Consider switching to an electric or induction stove. Skip the scented candles and incense.
Check out our non-toxic kitchen alternatives for cleaner cooking options.
Also see glass food containers for safer alternatives.Source: Rager JE, Miller SL, Hoffman K, et al. (2026). Environ Health.