That is according to a study published by PSE Health Energy in the Environmental Science & Technology journal on Californian gas stoves.
The team behind the study said leaks from gas stoves could create potentially hazardous levels of benzene concentrations inside the home.
They said even low-level gas leaks from kitchen stoves when they are turned off can create dangerous levels of benzene concentrations.
Dr Eric Lebel of the study said: “Stoves leak small amounts of gas all the time, even when they are off. While these leaks are often too small to smell, they can still impact air quality and increase human health risks in our homes.”
READ MORE: Acholic stools are ‘the most common’ sign of pancreatic cancer
Dr Lebel added: “We found that just having a gas stove can create benzene concentrations in the kitchen comparable to second-hand smoke.”
Second-hand smoke is also known as passive smoking; it occurs when someone breaths in the smoke exhaled by a smoker. There is also third-hand smoking.
Third-hand smoking occurs when you breath in carcinogens and toxins from cigarettes which are sitting on objects or other materials such as chairs or in walls.
Why is benzene dangerous?
Benzene is a concern to the researchers because it is a well- known carcinogen.
DON’T MISS
Where else can you find benzene?
The NHS says: “Benzene is found in petrol, and it’s also used in the rubber industry, although there are strict controls to protect people from prolonged exposure.
“Benzene is also found in cigarette smoke, which could explain why people who smoke have an increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML).”
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) said: “IARC classifies benzene as ‘carcinogenic to humans’, based on sufficient evidence that benzene causes AML.
“IARC also notes that benzene exposure has been linked with acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.”
READ MORE: Foods ‘high in sugar’ can cause eye condition blepharitis – expert
Leukaemia, also known as acute myeloid leukaemia, is a type of cancer which affects the white blood cells.
It’s acute categorisation means it is a type of cancer that spreads aggressively and quickly and, says the NHS, “usually requires immediate treatment”.
What are the main signs of this type of leukaemia?
The main symptoms are:
• Skin looking pale
• Tiredness
• Breathlessness
• Having a high temperature
• Sweating a lot
• Losing weight without trying to
• Frequent infections.
Other signs include:
• Unusual and frequent bleeding
• Easily bruised skin
• Flat red or purple spots on the skin
• Bone and joint pain
• A feeling of fullness or discomfort in the tummy
• Swollen glands on the neck, armpit, or groin.
There are several factors which can increase someone’s risk of this type of leukaemia.
These include radiation exposure.
On this, the NHS says: “Being exposed to a significant level of radiation can increase your chances of developing AML, although this usually requires exposure at very high levels.
“In the UK, most people are unlikely to be exposed to levels of radiation high enough to cause AML. But some people who have had radiotherapy as part of a previous cancer treatment may have a bigger chance of getting AML.”
Furthermore, so too can previous cancer treatments, blood disorders, and genetic disorders.
The important message, as with all cancers, is if in doubt or if you spot something unusual, get checked.
For all the latest Health News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
