Various models of gas stoves emit a large amount of methane even when turned off. This conclusion was made by scientists from Stanford University in a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.
Researchers analyzed emissions from stoves in 53 homes in seven California counties. The 18 brands of gas stoves in these homes had been in operation for 3 to 30 years.
Scientists found that, on average, gas stoves leaked about 1.3 percent of unburned gas fuel. Alarming was the fact that 75 percent of the methane emissions came from the off gas stoves.
Researchers noted that methane is about 80 times stronger than carbon dioxide. Total methane emissions from gas stoves in the US are just as damaging to the atmosphere as carbon emissions from 500,000 cars over 20 years.