Expert Highlights Health and Environmental Risks of Gas Cookers in UK Parliament Presentation

Juana Mari Delgado Saborit, a researcher at the Universitat Jaume I (UJI), recently presented a scientific report at the UK Parliament on the harmful effects of gas cookers on public health and the environment. The event, titled "Policy Pathways to Electrify Cooking for Public Health and the Planet," brought together experts to discuss the transition to electric cooking in the UK, emphasizing the urgent need to reduce emissions from gas appliances. Delgado’s report, co-authored with researchers from the Universitat de València (UV) and the IDIAP Jordi Gol, highlights significant health risks associated with gas cookers, particularly in poorly ventilated homes. According to the study, toxic emissions from gas cookers are responsible for 39,959 premature deaths annually in the European Union and the United Kingdom. The primary pollutants identified are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter, both of which breach World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in 14 European countries, though Spain remains under the limit. The countries with the highest incidence of health issues due to gas cookers include Italy, Poland, Romania, France, and the United Kingdom, where a majority of households rely on gas for cooking. In these regions, prolonged cooking sessions and inadequate ventilation exacerbate the problem, leading to serious respiratory conditions, including childhood asthma. Specifically, in Spain, the average life expectancy is shortened by just over a year for about 2,000 individuals. The report also underscores the economic burden of these health impacts, indicating that the costs associated with premature mortality and asthma cases are substantial and warrant immediate attention. Delgado emphasized the importance of policy interventions to address this issue, such as improving building ventilation standards and promoting the adoption of cleaner cooking methods, notably induction cookers. At the parliamentary event, Delgado shared the stage with Nicole Kearny, director of CLASP for Europe, an organization dedicated to advancing efficient appliances to combat climate change. Eric Lebel and Yannai Kashtain from PSE Healthy Energy, a U.S.-based research institute focused on integrating science into energy policies, also contributed to the discussion. They provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges and potential solutions for transitioning to electric cooking. A success story from Manchester was showcased, demonstrating how the city has effectively shifted to using induction cookers. The case study highlighted the benefits of this transition, including reduced indoor pollution and lower health risks for residents. The event culminated with a panel featuring local authority representatives, industry stakeholders, and health professionals, who discussed the practical steps required to electrify cooking in homes across the UK. The report "Policy Pathways for the Transition to Electric Cooking in the UK" offers detailed recommendations for policymakers. These include incentivizing the purchase of electric cookers, enhancing public awareness of the health risks posed by gas cookers, and implementing stricter emission standards. The barriers identified in the report range from the high initial cost of electric appliances to a lack of consumer knowledge about their benefits. MP Afzal Khan concluded the event by reiterating the importance of addressing these issues for the well-being of the population and the environment. He stressed the need for cross-sector collaboration and innovative approaches to make the transition feasible and affordable. Industry insiders and experts have praised the report for its comprehensive analysis and practical recommendations. They agree that transitioning to electric cooking is crucial for reducing indoor air pollution and mitigating health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. The Universitat Jaume I, known for its cutting-edge research in environmental health, continues to play a pivotal role in informing policy decisions that benefit public health and contribute to sustainability efforts.