Report: US Considering Ban On Gas Stoves Amid Health Fears: According to a federal agency, a ban on gas stoves is being considered in light of growing worries about the dangerous indoor air pollutants the equipment creates.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has plans to act against pollution, which can lead to respiratory and health issues.
Richard Trumka Jr., an agency commissioner, stated in an interview that “this is a concealed hazard.” “Every choice is available. It is possible to outlaw products that cannot be rendered safe.
According to studies by organizations like the Institute for Policy Integrity and the American Chemical Society, natural gas stoves, which are used in about 40% of US homes, emit air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and delicate particulate matter at levels the EPA and World Health Organization have deemed unsafe and connected to respiratory illness, cardiovascular issues, cancer, and other health conditions.
After testing by the organization revealed significant levels of nitrogen oxide fumes from gas stoves, Consumer Reports recommended that consumers considering purchasing a new range consider switching to electricity in October.
More than 12% of current childhood asthma cases in the US can be linked to using gas stoves, according to new peer-reviewed research that was published last month in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
According to co-author Brady Seals of the study and manager of the carbon-free building program at the nonprofit clean energy organization RMI, “there have been about 50 years of health studies showing that gas stoves are bad for our health, and the strongest evidence is on children and children’s asthma.” The speaker claimed that we are damaging our homes’ interiors by having a gas connection.
Later this winter, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which has about 500 employees and is based in Bethesda, Maryland, aims to invite public comment on the risks posed by gas stoves. According to Trumka, options include banning the production or import of gas stoves and establishing guidelines for the appliances’ emissions.
In response, lawmakers asked the panel to consider mandating warning labels, range hoods, and performance criteria. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey and Representative Don Beyer of Virginia, both Democrats, urged action in a letter to the agency in December and referred to gas-stove emissions as a “cumulative burden” on Black, Latino, and low-income homes that disproportionately endure air pollution.
In a parallel attempt to limit climate-warming emissions (such as those from methane) that exacerbate climate change, state and local officials are focusing on the usage of natural gas in buildings more broadly. A shift away from fossil fuel-powered buildings is required by or encouraged by nearly 100 cities and counties.
By the end of this year, the New York City Council decided to outlaw natural gas hookups in all new structures under seven floors. By a majority decision in September, the California Air Resources Board agreed to outlaw the sale of natural gas-fired furnaces and water heaters by 2030.
The big climate spending bill enacted into law in August may assist consumers who want to move from gas to electric ranges. A total of $4.5 billion in funds is provided under the Inflation Reduction Act to help low- and moderate-income households electrify their homes, including rebates of up to $840 for purchasing new electric ranges.
No of the type of stove being used, cooking emits pollutants and hazardous byproducts, according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, which represents companies making gas ranges like Whirlpool Corp.
Vice president of the Washington-based trade association Jill Notini said, “Ventilation is really where this discussion should be, rather than outlawing one specific type of technology.” “Banning one kind of cooking appliance won’t solve the problems with the general indoor air quality. We could require behavioral adjustments, like getting people to use their hoods when cooking.
Natural gas distributors contend that a ban on natural gas stoves will increase expenses for families and restaurants with little benefit to the environment. The growing trend toward electrifying homes challenges their industry.
According to a statement from the American Gas Association, which speaks on behalf of utilities like Dominion Energy Inc. and DTE Energy Co., there are no known concerns associated with gas stoves for residential consumers’ health and safety. Follow Newswatchlist.com for more information. You can also leave your thoughts in the comment section, and don’t forget to bookmark our website.
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