A study led by John D. Spengler at Harvard School of Public Health showed that gas stoves can leak toxic methane and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the home.  Some of these air pollutants are well known to cause disease.  The study also found that these air toxins can leak undetected because the levels cannot be perceived by odor. 
We have commented on this study in the press, such as in the article by Kaitlin Vogel published in Parade: “This study is well done and confirms previous studies showing that chemicals that are known to be toxic leak from gas stoves,” says Dr. Luz Claudio, MD, Professor of Environmental Medicine and Public Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “Not only are some of these chemicals contributors to climate change, like methane, but they can also affect human health directly. The finding that volatile organic compounds leak significantly from gas stoves is concerning, as exposure to them has been linked to diseases such as cancer, mainly in occupational settings.”  In terms of the level of concern, it is hard to say how worried a particular person “should” be because it is difficult to determine the level of risk from exposure to gas stove fumes for a particular person or family, Dr. Claudio explains.

It is important to note that these chemical exposures were nearly eight times higher in the winter months than during the summer.  This may be due to people ventilating their homes by opening windows more in the summer than in the winter. 
“As a professional in this area, I believe that whenever possible, we should use the precautionary principle to reduce our exposures to environmental pollutants that can be harmful to our health,” says Dr. Claudio. “If replacing the stove is not immediately possible, increasing ventilation can help reduce exposure to these chemicals in the home.”
As we come to this year's winter, consider how you may be able to ventilate your kitchen area during the winter by at least opening a window while you are cooking whenever possible.  This can help in reducing the accumulation of these dangerous chemicals in your home.

A recent study by Consumer Reports has revealed concerning levels of heavy metals, specifically lead and cadmium, in a wide range of chocolate products. This includes not only dark chocolate but also milk chocolate, cocoa powders, brownie mixes, and chocolate chips from both large and smaller brands available at major retailers.

The research tested 48 products and found detectable amounts of lead and cadmium in each. James Rogers, PhD, from Consumer Reports, highlighted that 16 of these products exceeded their levels of concern for these heavy metals, sometimes by more than twice the limit. However, safer options were identified in each category.

In California, where regulations are often stricter, the maximum daily allowable doses are 0.5 micrograms for lead and 4.1 micrograms for cadmium. The study found that five out of seven dark chocolate bars exceeded these limits. In contrast, all tested milk chocolate bars were within safe levels, as were most chocolate chips and cocoa powders. However, several hot cocoa mixes and brownie mixes did exceed the safe limits for heavy metals.

Cadmium and lead, naturally found in the earth's crust, can end up in chocolate through the soil where cacao beans grow or from environmental contamination during processing. These metals pose health risks, including kidney damage and developmental problems in children.

Luz Claudio, PhD, a professor of environmental medicine, advises moderation in chocolate consumption and maintaining a balanced diet. She emphasizes the importance of a varied diet including fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Nutritionist Toby Amidor, RD, also notes that while heavy metals are present in chocolate, they are also found in other foods, yet those foods remain recommended for a healthy diet.  They agree different sources of potentially-toxic heavy metals may add up to an increased risk for consumers.