Cooking is a daily activity in every household. However, did you know that this process produces air pollutants by way of the fine particle PM2.5? These particles, when inhaled repeatedly, can injure your bodily systems. The following is a complete conversation about cooking and the PM2.5 relationship and how to reducing PM2.5 from cooking.
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The Relationship Between Cooking and PM2.5
The cooking process, via gas stove or frying food, encourages delicious cooking odors and is associated with the release of fine particles called PM2.5. The PM2.5 comes from three sources related to cooking: combustion of fuel (gas), the combustion of cooking oil, and heated food vapor/steam.
PM2.5 incrementally degrades indoor air quality. It is described as an object 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter, or about a quarter the width of a human hair. These fine particles mix well with indoor air, especially in kitchens and surrounding areas. PM2.5 will settle to a surface, but will also readily enter the respiratory tract when inhaling air.
Occurring exposure to PM2.5 from cooking can increase irritation and inflammation in the respiratory tract, and it also imposes a risk of cooking-related air pollution diseases (asthma and chronic lung disease).
In addition, studies indicate that prolonged contact with these fine particles may enhance the development of cardiovascular diseases and decrease lung capacity in general. This suggests that cooking is a significant contributor to indoor air pollution and is widely disregarded by the public. However, the overall effect on health is substantial.
Modalities of Cooking Associated with Pollution
Some methods of cooking produce much higher levels of indoor air pollution. Cooking in hot oil or hot metal pans is related to a larger plume of smoke and fine particles. When the oil gets hot enough, its compounds break down and create smoke with PM2.5 particles, which is then released into indoor air.
Cooking food is not the only form of cooking that creates PM2.5 pollution, as outdoor cooking (smoking, grilling) and frying spices also produces soot, and as a result creating PM2.5 particulates. Again, cooking meat normally creates smoke, which creates PM2.5 particulates in the air which creates indoor air pollution.
Burning solid fuels (charcoal and wood) that are traditionally used in cooking also contributed to elevated levels of PM2.5 pollution outside. All of these activities resulted in PM2.5 pollution indoors and outdoors because they produced an abundance of particulate matter and harmful gases; cooking specifically produces even more indoor air pollution when cooking with these formerly stated methods, especially when people cook indoors without sufficient ventilation.
Kitchen Ventilation & Exhaust Fans
Good ventilation is key to reducing PM2.5 exposures when cooking in the kitchen. Well-ventilated kitchens will very quickly expel air laden with these fine particulates and smoke and replace it with refreshing outdoor air. The single best way to ventilate your kitchen is with an exhaust fan. An exhaust fan safely removes smoke and pollutant particles directly from the kitchen, keeping the air comfortable and breathable.
In addition to an exhaust fan, you can improve air flow by opening windows or vents while cooking for improved circulation which also helps reduce the build-up of harmful particles and maximize air quality within the kitchen. When the kitchen is properly ventilated it becomes a much more breathable and safer environment for the health and wellbeing of all occupants.
The Role of Air Purifiers in the Kitchen
Air purifiers can also be an effective supplemental measure to further reduce PM2.5 exposure in the kitchen. Air purifiers use advanced filtration technology to capture PM2.5, smoke and odors during cooking. HEPA filters, for instance, can filter particles that are as little as 0.3 microns in size.
However, some air purifiers are equipped with activated carbon filters which absorb odors and harmful gases, keeping the air in the kitchen and around your home fresh and breathable. Choosing an air purifier gives you certification, and filtration capabilities to help you maintain good indoor air quality, reduce the chances of developing respiratory issues, and create a breathable, healthy kitchen environment for the entire family.
Healthy Cooking Habits
In addition to using appropriate equipment and ventilation, healthy cooking habits are very important to reduce PM2.5 exposure. When you are cooking food using heat, cooking with moderate to low heat will reduce PM2.5 emissions because it produces less smoky and fine particles. Limiting the amount of frying you do in the cooking process will also reduce the chances of smoke emissions.
It’s also important to regularly clean the stove top surfaces and cooking utensils used in the cooking process to remove oil residue and dirt that can easily ignite and emit PM2.5 contaminants. Clean fuels should be used in the cooking process and wasting fuels such as firewood and charcoal should never be done in the kitchen environment, reducing PM2.5 emissions.
Taking these steps will not only promote and encourage good air quality in the kitchen, you will also help protect the health of your family. From the risk of respiratory problems and illnesses caused by air pollution hidden in everyday cooking activities.
Legom Air Purifiers
Legom offers a complete solution for reducing PM2.5 from cooking and indoor air pollution through our smart HVAC technology and advanced Air Purifier products. With an integrated smart ventilation system and international-standard air filtration, Legomsmart helps keep kitchen air clean and healthy.
Recommended for Kitchen Applications
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KJ200F-A01 Oxygen Source Negative Ion Purifier
– Ideal for home and kitchen spaces, removes fine particles, smoke, and odors effectively.
– Uses negative ion purification to neutralize PM2.5 and airborne oil mist. -
KJF-B01 Air Conditioner Companion
– Works with air conditioners to improve air circulation and filtration in closed kitchens.
– Helps remove cooking fumes and fine particles through secondary purification. -
KJF-B02 Air Conditioning Companion
– Similar to B01 but with stronger air movement capacity for larger kitchens or open layouts.
– Enhances ventilation efficiency and keeps indoor air fresh. -
XFQT-60-01S Ion Catalytic – Fresh Air Purifier
– Perfect for kitchen walls or near-cooking zones.
– Combines ionization and catalytic filtration to remove PM2.5, smoke, and odor molecules from cooking. -
XFDD3-650-01J Campus Fresh Air Ventilator (optional for larger or commercial kitchens)
– Suitable for restaurants or large family kitchens needing high-volume air exchange.
– Maintains steady air circulation while filtering out pollutants.
Choose Legom for comfort, energy efficiency, and optimal protection from exposure to harmful pollutants, so you and your family can enjoy fresh air and a safer home environment every day.