Integrating indoor and outdoor nitrogen dioxide exposures in US homes nationally by ZIP code

Background

Gas and propane stoves emit substantial amounts of nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant linked to higher risks of asthma, heart and lung disease, and other conditions. A Stanford-led study including PSE Scientists found that switching from a gas to electric stove would cut nitrogen dioxide exposure across the U.S. by over one half, reducing the risk of asthma.

This is the first nationwide, ZIP-code-level estimate of total residential NO₂ exposure that integrates both outdoor sources and the primary indoor source—gas- or propane-burning stoves and gives policymakers, public health agencies, and communities a more complete picture of where exposure occurs — and where interventions can have the biggest impact.