Last week, I wrote about toxic air pollutants coming from motor vehicles. One of the toxic chemicals emitted by vehicle exhaust is benzene which is a carcinogen. Benzene is a natural component of crude oil and gasoline. As such, liquified petroleum gas or LPG, also has this chemical.
A new Stanford-led study published on June 22 in Environmental Science & Technology found that benzene is also released when gas stoves are used. Exhaust fans or range hoods are ineffective in removing it. Because of that, benzene drifts inside homes and lingers for hours in the air, according to the study.
The researchers found that indoor concentrations of benzene formed in the flames of gas stoves can be worse than average concentrations from secondhand smoke (smoking also releases benzene). The toxic pollutant can migrate into other rooms far from the kitchen and concentrations measured in bedrooms can exceed national and international health standards.
Obviously, cooking cannot be avoided. However, exposure to pollutants, especially benzene, can be minimized by having good ventilation. Avoiding the use of LPG by shifting to electric appliances like stoves and induction cookers is also an option. It may be costly though. In my house, I have solar power installed so my wife uses our induction cooker when the system is generating excess electricity.
In the Philippines, having a dirty kitchen turns out to be a good practice as far as keeping air pollutants away from the rest of the house. While this work area is intended to keep the formal kitchen clean, it also minimizes indoor air pollution.
Aside from good ventilation, indoor plants can help clean the air too. Studies show that plants can efficiently remove benzene and other indoor pollutants. A recent study was done by University of Technology Sydney bioremediation researcher Associate Professor Fraser Torpy, in partnership with Ambius, a company that specializes in designing and installing healthy and safe interior landscaping.
The researchers found that the Ambius small green wall, containing a mix of indoor plants, was highly effective at removing harmful, cancer-causing pollutants, with 97 per cent of the most toxic compounds removed from the surrounding air in just eight hours. They also remove the most harmful petrol-related pollutants from the air most efficiently. Benzene for instance is digested at a faster rate than less harmful substances.
One of the indoor plants that can remove benzene is the snake plant. Back in 1989, NASA conducted a study on how indoor plants can improve the air quality of their space stations. It was found out that the snake plant removed 52.6 percent benzene in a sealed chamber. Another study found that Dracaena sanderiana, or Chinese water bamboo, has a high benzene removal efficiency. This plant is kept at home and in offices because it is believed to bring good luck, wealth and fortune. Apparently, it brings good health too.