Gas stoves might have only a tiny effect on most children’s lung function, suggests a new study published in the European Respiratory Journal and reported by Reuters Health.

Researchers from the Medical University of Vienna analyzed data on 24,000 children, ages 6 to 12, from Canada, the United States and seven European countries. Scientists gave participants standard lung function tests, and the children’s parents answered questions about various exposures, including their use of gas stoves.

The findings showed negligible differences in lung function between children from homes with gas stoves and those from homes with electric stoves.

“If this effect is a sign of initiation of a remodeling process in the lung tissue, it still requires further investigation,” said Hanns Moshammer, MD, of the Medical University of Vienna and the study’s lead researcher.

But though Moshammer said there was no reason “to abandon gas stoves,” the researcher recommended that parents with children plagued with allergies or asthma properly ventilate their kitchens.

In addition, other experts suggested people with all types of fuel-burning home appliances heed the same advice.