Study finds 40% of European gas stoves leak cancer-causing benzene while turned off

Study finds 40% of European gas stoves leak cancer-causing benzene while turned off

Recent research has identified that benzene, a compound closely associated with leukemia and other blood-related cancers, is seeping from gas stoves in Europe. The study highlights significant health concerns, as the World Health Organization asserts there is no safe exposure level to benzene, which is naturally present in crude oil and natural gas, and is also a component of cigarette smoke. Experts warn that even minimal exposure to benzene can elevate cancer risks.

The investigation, conducted by researchers at PSE Healthy Energy, a California-based think tank, analyzed numerous gas stoves in Italy, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Their findings reveal that 40% of the examined stoves emitted gas even when not in operation.

In addition to detecting leaks, the researchers collected samples of unburned gas from both leaking and non-leaking stoves and found benzene present in all samples, with concentrations significantly higher than typical levels found in the U.S. and Canada. Specifically, benzene levels in Italy were 8.6 times higher, in the U.K. were 37 times higher, and in the Netherlands were 66 times higher than in North America.

The study indicates that gas leaks not only result in measurable benzene levels but also, in kitchens with substantial leaks, exposure levels could surpass those of residing with a smoker.

Compounding the issue is the difficulty in detecting these leaks. As natural gas is odorless, gas companies often mix in sulfur to impart a smell reminiscent of rotten eggs, aiding in leak detection. However, researchers found that in the U.K. and the Netherlands, sulfur levels were so low that significant benzene-emitting leaks could easily go unnoticed. This research was published in Environmental Research Letters.

Although some scientists not involved in the study argue that benzene exposure from gas stoves may be comparable to other sources, such as traffic emissions, and suggests a lower risk than other pollutants in the air, Alastair Lewis from the University of York emphasizes that "eliminating gas appliances and transitioning to electrification is evidently beneficial for indoor air quality, whether that means preventing gas leaks or reducing combustion-related pollutants in homes."

Publication details

Tamara L Sparks et al, Benzene and other hazardous air pollutants in consumer-grade natural gas in Europe, Environmental Research Letters (2026). DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/ae499f

Journal information: Environmental Research Letters