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Gas Heat Effects on Toddlers

Gas heat has often been praised for its efficiency and cost effectiveness, but when used in the home, it can have a detrimental effect on health. Toddlers and small children are especially susceptible to the pollutants caused by gas combustion used for heat. It has been found that gas heat can be responsible for an increased likelihood of childhood asthma.

  1. Gas in the Home

    • In the modern home, there are many appliances that utilize natural gas heat. Thermostats and furnaces using gas heat are usually heavily regulated, but appliances like stoves and clothes dryers may not be as closely monitored. Water heaters and fireplace inserts in the home also use gas heat.

    Environmental Contaminants Created by Gas

    • In order for a gas heat appliance to work, the gas is burned through combustion. Combustion byproducts include nitrogen diozide and carbon monoxide, which can kill you at highly concentrated levels. Even if you don't use gas appliances regularly, the gas is always on. Household fuel gas contains methane; within the methane, radioactive elements like radon, inorganic compounds and additives are present, so these elements are present in the home. And there's another thing to consider: Water vapor created by gas combustion can contribute to mold growth in the home.

    Effects of Gas Contaminants on Health

    • The contaminants within gas tend to be lighter than air, which makes it easy for them to enter the lungs. Respiratory systems are at risk of contamination in areas that use natural gas. In areas with extremely poor ventilation or in the case of gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to deaths. More commonly, gas heat contributes to increased cases of asthma and upper respiratory irritation that leads to coldlike symptoms.

    Increased Risks for Toddlers

    • Toddlers and small children are especially at risk for developing asthma when they live in homes with gas heat appliances. Studies published in the journals Epidemiology and Pediatrics have found that gas heat is responsible for more cases of childhood asthma than secondhand smoke. The contaminants found in gas can lead to oversensitized respiratory systems and even weakened immune systems in toddlers, the journals reported.

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