The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is considering a ban on gas stoves indoors due to possible health effects from exposure to harmful air pollutants created by the kitchen appliance, which are in 40% of U.S. households.
Richard Trumka Jr., a commissioner on the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), said during a virtual webinar on Wednesday that the commission will put out a formal request by March for information on hazards associated with gas stoves and possible solutions.
“This public request for information is the first step in what could be a long journey toward regulating gas stoves,” he said, noting public pressure could lead to a law being passed by the end of the year.
Gas stove detractors argue the convenient appliance emits harmful emissions linked to climate change, and some groups have recommended steps to reduce the risks.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission is considering a ban on gas stoves amid these concerns, which could have major implications for the gas utility sector as well as consumers who rely on them for cooking.
If enacted, this could help reduce the worst effects of gas use in homes and prevent potential health risks associated with stove emissions.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission Safety Agency is considering a ban on gas stoves due to fears of indoor air pollution.
Gas stoves release pollutants that can cause respiratory issues and trigger asthma symptoms, particularly in children.
Experts at University Stanford have raised concerns about the annual climate impact of burning gas for home appliances, and the potential risks this could pose for health issues related to indoor air quality.
If enacted, the ban could reduce emissions from stove use and help protect those with medical conditions such as asthma from increased exposure.
Moreover, it would also reduce our collective annual climate impact by removing appliances that use fossil fuels such as natural gas or propane.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission Safety Agency is considering a ban on gas stoves amid health fears.
This comes after a new report released by Leah Stokes, assistant professor of environmental studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
The report found that burning natural gas for cooking releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other air pollutants like carbon monoxide into the atmosphere.
Additionally, it also increases the risk for fires and explosions due to build-up in unventilated areas.
The agency has actively worked with stakeholders, including manufacturers, industry representatives, and public health advocates in voluntary standards activities in order to improve the safety of consumer products.
The board of commissioners will review the latest research regarding possible health effects associated with indoor stove use and determine whether a ban or additional regulations are necessary to protect consumers’ safety.
If approved, the CPSC would work with local government agencies, industry experts and other stakeholders to develop regulations surrounding gas stove use that minimize or eliminate potential risks associated with using them indoors.
This could be a major step forward in protecting consumers from any potential negative health impacts related to indoor stoves such as gas ranges or others.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has been considering a ban on gas stoves amid health fears due to their potential pollution.
The commissioners have cited concerns about poor kitchen ventilation and indoor air quality as well as the long-term effects of gas stoves on consumer health.
Environmental groups, consumer advocacy organizations, and other advocates are applauding this move by the commission as an important step in protecting consumers’ health.
The potential regulations would apply to all new buildings that use gas ranges or other stove types. These measures could be a major win for consumer advocacy organizations and environmental interest research groups who have long studied the impacts of indoor pollution from cooking appliances such as stoves.
Gas stoves have long been considered a useful and convenient utility, but they’ve faced criticism due to the possible health effects associated with their use.
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, which represents gas range manufacturers such as Whirlpool Corp. argues that cooking produces emissions and harmful byproducts even when electric stoves are used.
“Ventilation is really where this discussion should be, rather than banning one particular type of technology,” said Jill Notini, a vice president with the Washington-based trade group. “Banning one type of a cooking appliance is not going to address the concerns about overall indoor air quality. We may need some behavior change, we may need [people] to turn on their hoods when cooking.”
“The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and EPA do not present gas ranges as a significant contributor to adverse air quality or health hazard in their technical or public information literature, guidance, or requirements,” said Karen Harbert, the group’s president. “The most practical, realistic way to achieve a sustainable future where energy is clean, as well as safe, reliable and affordable, is to ensure it includes natural gas and the infrastructure that transports it.”
“If the CPSC really wanted to do something about public health, it would ban cigarettes, or automobiles, long before it moved on to address stoves,” said Mike McKenna, a GOP energy lobbyist. “It’s transparently political.”
