Doctor warns that a common kitchen appliance may be making people sick

An appliance that you use everyday is the 'health equivalent of living with a smoker', according to a doctor.

Wow.

And it's something that you probably don't think twice about, however, Dr Ben Ewald, who is based in Newcastle, Australia, says it is one of the most dangerous objects in your household.

Dr Ewald has practiced medicine for more than 30 years, so it's probably best that we hear him out.

Gas stoves can cause health issues people be unaware of.(Getty Stock Image)

Speaking to Femail, he said: “Living with a gas stove is the health equivalent of living with a smoker.

“There are lots of causes of asthma, viruses are the biggest one, but gas stove exposure is on that list

“Nitrogen dioxide is a respiratory irritant that's produced from the flame. At high levels it can be toxic but even at low levels it can lead to asthma."

He added that using a gas stove could be increasing the chance of developing health issues such as increased allergies and, in extreme cases, pneumonia.

When it comes to the science of how it causes issues, he further explained the tiny nanoparticles omitted, nitrogen dioxide in particular, are the perfect size to flow into a person’s respiratory system.

They will then stick to a person’s lungs and trigger unwanted irritation.

He also said because of this, any children in your household may be at greater risk due to their developing lungs.

But it's not just young kids, as they are also a danger to the elderly.

Dr Ben Ewald said the impacts could be especially bad for children.(Getty Stock Image)

As well as nitrogen dioxide, the flame releases formaldehyde, along with the carcinogen benzene, which also irritates the respiratory system.

While a national ban has not been put into place in the states, New York hit headlines last year after plans to prohibit the use of fossil fuel equipment in new buildings.

The law bans gas-powered stoves, propane heating, furnaces in new homes and encourages the user of climate-friendly appliances.

This would include heat pumps and inductions stoves in buildings across the state.

CNN reports that the law is planned to go into effect in 2026 and 2029 - with the latter being in place for taller buildings, while the former is for buildings smaller than seven stories.

The only exception, the outlet reports, is for large commercial buildings, such as restaurants, hospitals and stores.

Meanwhile, other cities in the US have already introduced similar legislation.

In 2019, Berkeley became the first US city to pass a code banning natural gas hookups in new buildings - however, in April 2024, the law was repealed after a lawsuit by a restaurant trade group challenged it's legality.