Is Your Kitchen Making You Sick? Why India Needs Freedom From Smoke

Last Updated:August 06, 2025, 12:36 IST

Clean air shouldn’t stop at your front door and certainly not at your kitchen threshold. It’s time we give our kitchens the same attention we give our skincare or dietary habits

Durable, non-reactive surfaces like stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic-coated cookware not only support healthier cooking but also require less oil, thereby reducing the amount of smoke and fumes released.

When we think of air pollution, we often picture traffic-clogged roads, smog-filled cities, or the smoky plumes from industrial chimneys. But some of the most harmful air we breathe is within our own homes right in the kitchen.

For millions of Indian households, cooking is a cherished daily ritual. But this same tradition, rich with tadkas, deep-frying, and slow-simmered gravies, can also release a silent yet potent threat: kitchen smoke.

“We often associate pollution with traffic and factories, but some of the worst air we breathe is inside our own homes. And one of the biggest culprits? Kitchen smoke,” says Rintu Dasgupta, Chief Operating Officer, Glen Appliances.

“Indian cooking is rich in tradition but also high in heat, oil, and spice. This daily ritual creates a silent cloud of pollutants that lingers long after the tadka fades.”

What many don’t realise is that this smoke isn’t just an irritant, it can have serious long-term health implications. Studies show that prolonged exposure to cooking smoke can lead to respiratory issues, skin dullness, headaches, and even impact heart and lung health. Children, senior citizens, and those who cook daily are particularly vulnerable.

And it’s not just outdated kitchens or wood-fired stoves that pose a problem. “Even modern kitchens using LPG or induction aren’t immune,” Dasgupta explains.

“Without proper ventilation and smoke extraction, oil vapours, gases, and fine particles accumulate silently. It’s time we recognise kitchen smoke not just as a byproduct of cooking, but as a serious indoor pollutant.”

The good news? With small but smart interventions, your kitchen can be transformed into a healthier space.

“Most people don’t realise how much harm everyday cooking smoke can cause, especially in poorly ventilated kitchens,” says Rakesh Mehta, Head of Product Development, Tramontina India.

“One of the easiest ways to reduce smoke is by being conscious of how and what we cook with.”

Mehta emphasises that good cookware plays a vital role in reducing smoke generation. Durable, non-reactive surfaces like stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic-coated cookware not only support healthier cooking but also require less oil, thereby reducing the amount of smoke and fumes released.

“Ceramic-coated cookware, for instance, allows minimal oil usage while retaining nutrients and flavour. Cast iron, when properly seasoned, also helps cook efficiently without generating excess smoke,” he adds.

“Another simple but effective tip is to cook on medium flame and avoid reusing leftover oil, as it breaks down and releases harmful fumes.”

Of course, cookware is just one part of the solution. The design and ventilation of the kitchen itself plays a critical role. According to Glen Appliances, there’s been growing awareness about indoor air quality and the need for high-performance chimneys in Indian homes.

“Installing energy-efficient chimneys especially those with BLDC motors and heat sensor technology can drastically reduce smoke exposure while maintaining a quieter, cleaner kitchen environment,” notes Dasgupta.

“It’s a simple but vital step towards creating safer, healthier homes.” Ultimately, tackling kitchen smoke requires a combination of conscious cooking practices, the right tools, and proper ventilation. As both experts agree, it’s time for Indian kitchens to evolve not by abandoning tradition, but by embracing smarter choices that protect both taste and well-being.

“We encourage thoughtful cooking practices and believe that small shifts like these can make your kitchen a much healthier space,” says Mehta.

Clean air shouldn’t stop at your front door and certainly not at your kitchen threshold. It’s time we give our kitchens the same attention we give our air purifiers, skincare routines, or dietary habits. Because what we breathe while we cook… is just as important as what we eat.

Lifestyle Desk

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Our life needs a bit of style to get the perfect zing in the daily routine. News18 Lifestyle is one-stop destination for everything you need to know about the world of fashion, food, health, travel, relationshi… Read More

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