Gas stoves are a fixture in nearly 38 percent of American kitchens. Their health and environmental implications have ignited a fierce controversy. According to the latest research from the 2021 Physical Activity Supplement, children face frightening issues. This is because exposure to carcinogenic pollutants emitted by gas stoves is almost two times higher among children than adults. As panic sets in, a handful of cities and states are enacting measures to limit or ban these appliances entirely.
Gas stoves leak harmful pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene, and formaldehyde, even when turned off. These pollutants are known to set off asthma attacks and may even increase the chances of developing heart disease, among other serious health effects. Specifically, the cancer risk associated with gas stove exposure for children is 1.85 times higher than for adults. Researchers have emphasized that “natural gas and propane stoves emit benzene, a known carcinogen through combustion.”
A recent study conducted across 87 homes in 14 counties in Colorado and California measured emissions and their potential impact on health. The authors of the study stated, “The study underscores the importance of addressing combustion-related indoor air pollutants to protect public health, particularly in households with limited ventilation.” They noted that “particularly concerning were the elevated risks in bedrooms, where people typically spend the most time.”
After the release of these findings, numerous jurisdictions have begun taking actions to protect people from the health hazards of gas stoves. New York City recently made headlines with their bold action to pass a natural gas ban on new buildings. That bold step was championed in federal court this past March. New York is paving the way for other states to follow, as it recently became the first state to prohibit the installation of new gas stoves in the majority of new homes and buildings. This historic ban goes into effect in 2026 for smaller structures and 2029 for larger buildings.
Although these limitations are true, there still exists a desire among some political groups to protect consumer choice when it comes to appliances. In January, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order that claimed to “safeguard the American people’s freedom to choose from a variety of goods and appliances,” including gas stoves. This temporary order comes in direct response to proposed dining bans by some politicians. In addition, it’s fully in step with the Biden administration’s desire to set stronger, more effective appliance standards.
Homeowners might be in the market for electric stoves, too, with the gas stove controversy raging. Even the researchers acknowledge that safe exposure levels for benzene do not exist. They urge a more comprehensive assessment of the public health risks associated with emissions from gas stoves.
“Since there is no safe limit for benzene’s carcinogenic effects, it is crucial to further evaluate the health risks associated with these effects.” – study
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