Commercial kitchen staff exposed to high levels of air pollution, study finds
US research says nitrogen dioxide in restaurants that cook with gas can exceed WHO limits, which also affects diners
TL;DR
- Commercial kitchens in the US can have high air pollution from gas cooking, impacting millions of workers and diners.
- Nitrogen dioxide levels in 17 out of 27 studied kitchens exceeded WHO indoor air quality guidelines.
- All kitchens tested that used fossil gas or propane had higher nitrogen dioxide levels.
- Electric kitchens showed the lowest air pollution and temperatures, benefiting staff welfare.
- Air pollution from kitchens can spread to dining areas, increasing exposure risks for diners and other workers.
- Pilot lights in gas appliances can contribute to significant overnight and early morning pollution, even when main appliances are off.
- US regulations for energy efficiency have not phased out pilot lights in commercial cooking appliances as they have in residential ones.