As concerns over indoor air quality continue to gain attention, the topic of gas stoves and their impact on indoor air pollution has captured the focus of officials and lawmakers.
Recently, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has opened comment periods to gain insight into the potential risks associated with gas stoves.
Researchers have indicated that these stoves can contribute to respiratory issues for children and adults.
While states and cities across the United States have made efforts to phase out the use of gas in new construction, the fossil fuel industry has pushed back against such measures.
Despite opposition, more evidence suggests that natural gas combustion releases numerous pollutants into the air, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and other hazardous emissions.
These pollutants can significantly impact the air quality of homes and lead to respiratory and other health issues for those exposed to them.
According to several studies, NO2 levels inside homes can exceed EPA standards, particularly in homes with poor ventilation, exacerbating respiratory problems for children and adults.
Additionally, outdoor levels of NO2 produced by natural gas combustion contribute to smog and climate change through the production of methane gas. These findings have brought increased attention to the negative impact of gas stoves on indoor and outdoor air quality.
Recent research also suggests a correlation between gas cooking and asthma rates. According to a study, as much as 12% of current childhood asthma cases in the United States can be linked to the use of gas stoves. This is significant as asthma is a leading cause of hospitalization among children in the United States.
With growing evidence supporting the negative impact of gas stoves on air quality, many states and municipalities are actively seeking to phase out the use of natural gas in new construction.
The fossil fuel industry, however, has pushed back against these measures, arguing that the cost of alternative energy sources would be too high.
Despite the opposition, the evidence linking gas stoves to poor air quality and respiratory issues continues to grow. As such, more states and cities will likely adopt measures to phase out gas use in new construction, and researchers will continue to explore the impact of gas stoves on indoor and outdoor air quality.
