Gas Stoves Take the Heat

You'll have to pry it from my COLD DEAD HANDS!”

‍Pry what? Oh yeah, the controversial gas stove.

Let’s dig into this ‘flaming’ debate.

Last week, a Consumer Products Safety commissioner discussed plans to regulate gas stoves — causing an uproar.

The American people have long loved gas stoves, thanks to carefully orchestrated social campaigns funded by the gas industry. The industry has crafted the narrative that gas stoves cook better, are quicker, and are the perfect solution for all cooking needs.

So, what’s the problem?

‍Natural gas stoves, used in about 40% of homes in the U.S., are unsafe and linked to respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems, cancer, and other health conditions.

‍A study by Stanford University published last year found that the impacts of gas stoves are more significant than previously understood, due mainly to the leakage of methane into the air.

Alongside the toxic health implications, research has found that gas stoves emit carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and fine particulate matter. Without proper ventilation, their concentrations can reach levels deemed unsafe by the Environmental Protection Agency.

NPR also reports that commercial and residential buildings account for about 13% of heat-trapping emissions, mainly from the use of gas appliances.

Organizations like Rewiring America, Impulse, Forward Dining Solutions, Channing Street Copper, and more are removing the burdens of transitioning to a fully electric kitchen.