This report from NPR describes the detection of benzene in indoor air, produced by combustion of natural gas or propane by gas stoves. I’m wondering if the burning of natural gas or propane leads to benzene directly or if it's the heating of char produced by the cooking process. We know that heating of charcoal can release benzene at higher temperatures, like the temperature of a forest fire. The heating of charcoal under vacuum in the lab will also produce benzene above a threshold temperature. So, could the heating of char that is below the stove burner flame be producing the measured benzene partially or completely? It’s in a low-oxygen environment, so I'd expect benzene to be produced like in a forest fire or during heating under vacuum in the lab. Perhaps we only need to clean that stove - throw out that char - to eliminate this indoor air hazard.
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