Identifying Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollution from Kitchens

Across the United States and Canada there are hundreds of thousands of restaurants and commercial kitchens. In people’s homes, the kitchen is the place where many families gather and spend time together.

Unfortunately, in some instances, kitchens can also be a significant source of indoor air pollution if there is a lack of ventilation. Exhaust from restaurants and commercial kitchens can even cause outdoor air pollution issues in some urban environments. Exposure to elevated levels of these pollutants could exacerbate respiratory illnesses, such as trigger an asthma attack in some asthmatics, as well as create other health concerns.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists wood and gas stoves as sources of combustion products that impact indoor air quality (IAQ). The agency lists carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and particles as major pollutants released by these types of stoves.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) provides even more detailed information about indoor air pollution from cooking. It reports that natural gas and propane can also release formaldehyde into the air and that even electrical stoves can generate unhealthy air pollutants from heating oil, fat, and other food ingredients, especially at high temperatures. These could include such organic chemicals as acrolein and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Also, regardless of the energy source, self-cleaning ovens can create high levels of pollutants as food waste is burned away.

“Most people don’t realize their kitchen could be causing IAQ issues if they don’t use their range hood or other forms of ventilation,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Even people living or working in crowded areas by busy restaurants or commercial kitchens that don’t have exhaust filtration systems could be exposed to elevated levels organic chemicals, gases, odors, and particulate matter.”

The air quality specialists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. test to identify indoor and outdoor air pollution from cooking activities. With laboratories across North America, EMSL offers air testing services, sampling supplies, and air monitoring instruments for particulate matter and gases. EMSL has even recently sponsored an educational video about indoor air pollution from cooking that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/HI3drF4yY2U.

To learn more about air quality testing services and monitoring instruments, please visit www.EMSL.com, email  info@EMSL.com , or call (800) 220-3675.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail