Commercial kitchen staff exposed to high levels of air pollution, study finds

Air pollution from gas-fired appliances did not stay in the kitchen and diners can be exposed to elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide, researchers said. Photograph: Cavan Images/Alamy

Each time we enjoy a meal out or order a takeaway, someone cooks for us in a commercial kitchen. In the UK, 3.6 million people work in catering and hospitality. In the US it is estimated at close to 16 million. A first-of-its-kind study in the US has found catering staff can experience high air pollution at work – and that this can affect diners too.

Dr Drew Michanowicz, senior author of the study at non-profit research institute PSE Healthy Energy, said: “I was motivated by what we have learned over the years about what just 30 minutes of gas cooking can do to air quality in homes with the realisation that millions of people cook for a living for hours on end.”