The main dangers of gas stoves: how to avoid them
With the advent of induction cookers, gas cookers began to fade into the background. Nevertheless, many houses and apartments are still equipped with them. Is this dangerous, and how to avoid tragic consequences? We suggest you figure it out.
The content of the article
Safety rules when working with a gas stove
By following these rules, you can reduce the harm from the stove and maintain your health.
- Be sure to install a hood and turn it on when cooking.
- Watch the color of the gas. If it changes, then immediately call the gas service. When completely burned, the flame is blue.
- There should be no excess dishes on the stove to ensure maximum oxygen supply to the burner.
- It is better not to turn on more than two burners at the same time.
- Do not cook for more than two hours at a time. It is necessary to take a break to ventilate the kitchen.
- When cooking, keep the kitchen door closed and the windows open.
- Do not dry clothes in the stove.
- Do not heat a room with a stove.
- If you have a gas oven, it must be ventilated before use.
- Do not leave the burners or oven running overnight.
- Do not sleep in the same room as appliances.
- If you do not have electric ignition, then proceed in the following sequence: first light a match, and then turn on the supply of the substance.
- Do not cover the pipes with anything.
Expert opinion
The topic of the dangers of gas stoves was first raised by scientists from Norway. They found that the combustion process of natural substances provokes the release of harmful particles. They are inhaled by people who cook or are in the same room as a working stove. Also, particles of harmful substances settle on cooked food and then enter the body, causing poisoning.
The data comes from restaurant kitchens and ordinary homes. The smoke that was released when frying meat was analyzed. It has been established that the release of harmful substances is 4-10 times higher than when cooking on electric devices.
Cancer researchers also conducted experiments. To do this, they fried 17 steaks, and then analyzed the air in the room. Air measurements have shown that combustion releases many harmful carcinogens into the atmosphere.
Scientists have named the main danger. In addition to these factors, there is a risk of leakage, which can lead to tragic consequences: explosion or poisoning. Leaks most often occur because the slab was not installed correctly in the first place. Residents, choosing between design and safety, often choose the first option. Installation is carried out by inexperienced craftsmen, or they decided to save money on specialists.
What is the danger of operating a gas stove with the window closed?
There are several main factors that arise when operating a gas stove. Together, they have a negative impact on human health.
- The main problem: the gas does not burn completely, which causes toxic substances to be released into the air. In particular, this is carbon monoxide, the concentration of which exceeds the permissible values.This provokes various ailments: migraines, weakened immunity, allergies, etc.
- When operating the stove indoors, the situation is aggravated if the room itself is small and poorly ventilated. The work of a housewife who regularly cooks in such conditions can be considered hazardous work. This is due to the fact that with low ceilings, all substances released during combustion accumulate in the upper layers of air. Therefore, ventilation of the room when cooking is extremely important, even if it is at least an open window.
What to do if there is a suspicious smell
IMPORTANT! If you smell gas in the room, you need to:
- Do not use the stove, turn off the gas supply.
- It is prohibited to turn on the light, use electrical appliances, or light candles.
- Open all windows to ventilate the room.
- Call the gas workers.
The main risk is that a small leak may be difficult to detect. Usually, the smell appears only when it has accumulated in a room in large quantities.
Therefore, systematic testing of equipment is very important. According to the rules of the service, it is carried out on schedule once a year. If for some reason this does not happen, then you should call and remind them to check.