Last updated on 16/04/2018

University of Queensland researchers have found that childhood asthma in Australia is associated with gas stoves and damp houses.

School of Public Health Senior Lecturer Luke Knibbs led research that aimed to find the connection between childhood asthma and two common indoor exposures in homes.

“We found that 12 per cent of childhood asthma is attributable to exposure to gas stoves used for cooking, and eight per cent is linked to household dampness,” Dr Knibbs said.

“Cooking with gas releases chemicals such as nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde, which causes inflammation in the airways and exacerbates asthma.

“With 38 per cent of Australian homes using natural gas for stovetop cooking, this is a common problem.

“Using high-efficiency range-hoods could reduce the amount of childhood asthma associated with gas stoves from 12 per cent to just three per cent.

“The preferred option is to make sure the range-hood is vented outdoors, rather than a hood that recirculates the air.

“Even in homes without a range-hood, opening windows during and after cooking can help reduce exposure.”

The study identified the presence of dampness in 26 per cent of Australian homes.

“Damp homes are quite common around Australia, and living in a damp home can adversely affect children’s lungs,” Dr Knibbs said.

“Simple ways to reduce dampness include better ventilating houses with fresh air (using open windows when conditions allow), using room dehumidifiers, and limiting use of clothes dryers indoors.

“Most parents of children with asthma are aware of ways to minimise exposure to dust mites, pollen and animal hair through vacuuming and replacing carpets with hard flooring, but other indoor exposures are not as well recognised.

“The prevalence of asthma in Australia is among the highest in the world, and it’s a leading cause of illness in children.

“A coordinated national strategy is needed to increase awareness of indoor environmental exposures, such as gas stove emissions and dampness, and the different ways people can reduce exposure in the home.

The study, published in The Medical Journal of Australia, was performed as part of an National Health and Medical Research Council centre for research excellence based at The University of New South Wales.