Research links gas stoves to asthma in inner-city kids

Nitrogen dioxide is an irritating and toxic form of nitrogen oxide gas that is often present in industrial zones but can also be found at higher levels in poor homes with unvented gas stoves.

Researchers reporting in Environmental Health Perspectives tied asthma flare-ups in young children directly to high concentrations of NO2 in their homes. The stoves or ovens were often used for heating as well as cooking.

Researchers say doctors should always inquire about the homes heating and cooking appliances and urge those using gas based stoves and space heaters to switch to electric heating and cooking.