gas stoves
States seek to add health warning labels to gas stoves
California, New York, and Illinois are considering laws to require health warning labels on gas stoves, highlighting their potential risks.
In short:
- Proposed bills in California, New York, and Illinois aim to inform consumers that gas stoves can emit harmful pollutants linked to health issues.
- Appliance manufacturers argue that the warnings are exaggerated and politically motivated, pushing back against the legislation.
- Some Democrats are skeptical about the evidence and impact, suggesting comprehensive programs over labeling.
Key quote:
"We’re not banning gas stoves. We’re just basically requiring them to be labeled, warning people about how to best use them with good ventilation.”
— Gail Pellerin, California Assemblymember
Why this matters:
Health experts are sounding the alarm about pollutants released by gas stoves, which they say can worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma, particularly in children. The issue revolves around the combustion of natural gas, which releases nitrogen dioxide and other harmful pollutants into the air. These emissions can contribute to indoor air pollution levels that exceed those found outdoors, even in heavily trafficked urban areas.
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More evidence of harmful health effects posed by gas stoves
New research further underscores the significant health risks associated with gas stove usage, especially in poorly ventilated kitchens.
Nate Seltenrich reports for Environmental Health Perspectives.
In short:
- Indoor nitrogen dioxide levels can exceed outdoor air quality standards within minutes of gas stove use, posing serious respiratory health risks.
- Gas stoves not only release nitrogen dioxide but also other harmful pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene, potentially increasing cancer and asthma risks.
- A study suggests 12.7% of U.S. childhood asthma cases could be linked to gas stove emissions.
Key quote:
“At high temperatures...a lot of messy things happen. Chemical bonds can break, and things can rearrange. And if you are dealing with [nitrogen] and [oxygen] in a high-temperature situation, one of the products you will get is [nitrogen dioxide].”
-- Yannai Kashtan, researcher at Stanford University
Why this matters:
Research on some middle- and lower-income countries where many households rely predominantly on solid fuel cooking (think wood, dung and other biomass) has found that switching to gas stoves improves air quality and health outcomes. But ultimately, electric stoves emit significantly lower levels of many harmful air pollutants than gas stoves. Bottom line: whatever kind of stove you use, it's best to cook with plenty of ventilation.
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The gas stove fight finally flames out
A new Energy Department regulation would modestly tighten efficiency requirements for some gas stoves.
Biden to set efficiency standards for gas stoves amid GOP backlash
The Energy Department is poised to finalize modest new efficiency standards for gas and electric stoves and ovens, potentially saving consumers in power bills.
The health impact of kitchen choices: Gas vs. induction cooking
In a comparison of gas stoves and induction cooktops, health concerns are brought to light, highlighting the potential risks of using gas stoves.
Michael J. Coren, John Farrell, Alice Li report for Washington Post.
In short:
- Gas stoves, common in 40 million American homes, are under scrutiny for health risks.
- Studies link gas stove use to respiratory issues, especially in children and the elderly.
- Induction cooktops are tested as a safer alternative, raising questions about traditional cooking methods.
Key quote:
“We know that being exposed to those pollutants is not beneficial to your health”
— Michael Johnson, technical director at the Berkeley Air Monitoring Group
Visit EHN's energy section for more top news about energy, climate, and health.
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Berkeley, California, ambitious gas ban faces major setback, raising questions for similar initiatives nationwide
Berkeley's groundbreaking gas ban initiative has hit a major roadblock, leaving many wondering about the future of similar measures in other cities.
In short:
- Berkeley's gas ban, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, has faced resistance from builders and homeowners.
- The city council is reconsidering the ban's scope and timeline, raising doubts about its ultimate success.
- Advocates and policymakers across the country are closely watching this development, as it may impact their efforts to combat climate change through similar measures.
Key quote:
"Cities are extremely motivated to address emissions from their buildings, which are an incredibly important source of climate and health-harming pollution. And I don’t think that this court order can stand in the way of that progress.”"
— Jim Dennison, Sierra Club attorney
Visit EHN's energy section for more top news about energy, climate and health.
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Gas cookers pump out toxic particles linked to childhood asthma, report finds
Scientists find average levels of nitrogen dioxide almost twice as high in homes cooking with gas as in those cooking without.
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