Increasingly, we are finding that gas stoves are not only bad for the climate but also for our health. The gas industry has known for decades about the negative impacts of their products but prioritized profits over people every time. Late in 2022 a study was published showing that gas stoves can be attributed to almost 13% of all US childhood asthma cases. This revelation shocked the public and brought the gas stove debate to the fore.
Our coalition member Beyond Toxics released a study based on testing from 13 different homes in Eugene and Springfield for the presence of concerning levels of toxic indoor air pollution emitted by residential gas stoves. Read it here.
Beyond Toxics used an industry-standard optical gas imaging camera alongside a personal air quality monitor in homes ranging in size and age to determine levels of toxic gasses accumulating in kitchens while gas stoves were in use. Air monitor results found that using one burner on low heat for under five minutes, combined with preheating an oven to 350 degrees, resulted in harmful, sometimes hazardous nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels, plus other toxic chemicals in six of thirteen houses.
Population Attributable Fraction of Gas Stoves and Childhood Asthma in the United States
"We found that 12.7% (95% CI = 6.3–19.3%) of current childhood asthma in the US is attributable to gas stove use. The proportion of childhood asthma that could be theoretically prevented if gas stove use was not present (e.g., state-specific PAFs) varied by state (Illinois = 21.1%; California = 20.1%; New York = 18.8%; Massachusetts = 15.4%; Pennsylvania = 13.5%). Our results quantify the US public health burden attributed to gas stove use and childhood asthma."
Gas Stove Debate in the Media
- The Oregonian - Oregon’s AG Ellen Rosenblum joins in call for federal gas stove rules
- Register Guard - Beyond Toxics releases report on potential environmental and health impacts of gas stoves
- RMI - Reality Check: Gas Stoves Are a Health and Climate Problem
- Grist - The hazards of gas stoves were flagged by the industry — and hidden — 50 years ago
- National Public Radio - Gas stove makers have a pollution solution. They're just not using it
- The Gaurdian - US renters have growing worries over gas stoves – and few options
- Vox - The forgotten gas stove wars
- KGW8 - Oregon Rep. calls for increased oversight of NW Natural after scientist fails to disclose she was paid for testimony
- The New York Times - In the Fight Over Gas Stoves, Meet the Industry’s Go-To Scientist
- The New Republic - The People Who Really Get Screwed by Gas Stoves
- The Washinton Post - U.S. agency examines secret pollution source in 40 million homes: Gas stoves
- Bloomberg - US Safety Agency to Consider Ban on Gas Stoves Amid Health Fears
- The Gaurdian - One in eight cases of asthma in US kids caused by gas stove pollution
- The Hill - Consumer safety board to weigh regulations on gas stoves
- Inside Climate News - Citing Health and Climate Concerns, Activists Urge HUD To Remove Gas Stoves From Federally Assisted Housing
- Oregon Publicv Broadcasting - Multnomah County report recommends replacing gas appliances to reduce health and climate change impacts
- Harvard Health - Have a gas stove? How to reduce pollution that may harm health
The Fight Over Gas Stoves Vox Timeline
Vox reporter Rebecca Leber has been covering gas stoves and their climate and health effects since 2020. Find all the articles in a convenient timeline.