Potentially harmful compounds are leaking from Boston stovetops

In particular, they found benzene, a known carcinogen, in 95% of samples at an average level of 165 parts per billion. That’s not to say levels are that high in the rest of a person’s home. But certain chemicals can infiltrate the area at troubling levels. In certain kitchens, nitrogen dioxide emissions can surpass the Environmental Protection Agency’s air quality standards within minutes of a stove being turned on.

“I was taken aback,” said Timothy Collins, a University of Utah professor who studies environmental hazards and environmental justice issues. “It’s surprising no one’s looked at this before. It’s both disturbing and surprising,” added Collins, who was not involved in the research.

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