Cook much? Here are a few steps you might want to take to do so more safely.
Have you heard? There is research that suggests a link between exposure to gas stoves and an increased risk of childhood asthma1. There are reports that using gas-powered stoves releases toxic chemicals, degrading indoor air quality2. And the House of Representatives recently passed a ban against regulations to limit the use of gas stoves in order to protect consumers3.
What does this really mean for you, particularly if you love your gas range?
In 2019, the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that children who were exposed to gas stove emissions in the home had an increased risk of developing asthma, particularly if they had a specific genetic variant that made them more susceptible to the effects of the emissions. Other studies have also found a link between exposure to gas stove emissions and an increased risk of respiratory problems in children, including asthma.
In January 2023, Bloomberg magazine published an article suggesting that the Consumer Product Safety Commission is ready to begin regulations of gas stoves.
Also in January, the New York Times, responding to increased worries about the safety of using gas stoves, published ways to mitigate most health effects of using gas stoves and thus the lively media discussion about the danger of gas stoves was born. Or at least this research and these articles raised awareness and started controversy surrounding the facts about emissions from cooking with a gas range.
The emissions from gas stoves can include pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, which can irritate the airways and lead to respiratory problems. Additionally, gas stoves can also release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen and irritant, which can be inhaled and cause health problems.
This research is still ongoing, and more studies are needed to confirm the link between gas stoves and childhood asthma. And keep in mind that gas stoves are not the only source of indoor air pollution and other factors such as smoking, pets, or cleaning products can also contribute to poor indoor air quality and childhood asthma.
The CPSC is responsible for protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Gas stoves would fall under the purview of the CPSC, and the agency may consider proposing regulations for them if it determines that they pose an unreasonable risk to the public. If you are looking for information on any specific regulations or proposals regarding gas stoves, check the CPSC website or contact the agency directly.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are not currently seeking to regulate gas stoves. This was confirmed in a tweet posted on January 9, 20234 by CPSC Commissioner Rich Trumka Jr., one of five commissioners of the (CPSC) who wrote that the agency “isn’t coming for anyone’s gas stoves.” As the article in Bloomberg points out, in reality, cooking produces emissions and harmful byproducts no matter what kind of stove is used.
The CPSC has issued safety standards for ranges, ovens, and cooktops, which include requirements for stability, labeling, and warning systems. These standards also require manufacturers to include instructions for the proper installation, use, and maintenance of their products. The CPSC has also issued a warning regarding the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and recommends that consumers install a CO detector in the home and have their gas appliances inspected and serviced regularly.
What steps can I take to better protect myself and others in my household?
Create a lead into the quote from the industry association who views this more as an consumer education related matter than an issue with the technology or products.
“Ventilation is really where this discussion should be, rather than banning one particular type of technology,” said Jill Notini, vice president of communications and marketing with the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, a 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.”
Back to the January New York Times article, they published a few simple steps you can take to mitigate most health effects of using gas stoves. Journalist Dani Blum wrote, “Despite the recent news around gas stoves, it’s important to remember that there are concrete steps you can take to reduce their risks. [Brady Seals, a manager at the environmental think tank R.M.I.] said. “I think it’s [using a gas stove] a concern, but it’s a concern that can be mitigated. It’s a concern we have solutions for.”5
As Blum emphasized for Times readers, “Remember that the risk of health effects from using a gas stove is generally low, but taking these steps can help to further reduce your risk.”
Ventilate! Ventilate! Ventilate!
Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate.
Open the windows, crack open a door, put on a fan — try to ventilate your kitchen as much as possible when you’re using your stove. “Fresh air can really dilute the concentration” of air pollutants, [said Dr. Aaron Bernstein, the interim director of the Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.]
Use the exhaust hood every time you use your stove.
Even if you’re just boiling water, turn on the exhaust hood, said [Eric Lebel, a senior scientist at P.S.E. Healthy Energy, a nonprofit science and policy research institute focusing on energy and the environment and author of a pivotal study on the matter].
The fan will be most effective if it blows the air outside, but you can still use it even if it doesn’t. If your exhaust hood doesn’t vent the air outside, or if you’re not sure, open a window near where you’re cooking and consider putting a fan in the window, [Lebel] suggested.
Try to use the stove less often.
Exposure can have a direct impact: research shows that when a stove is used to cook dinner, more children tend to use their inhalers that night, Ms. Seals said.
Instead of using your stove as the default for all cooking and food-heating, think about using an alternative like a microwave or toaster oven. Or consider getting an electric kettle to boil water, Ms. Seals said. You could also plug in a portable induction burner, she suggested.
Consider buying an air purifier.
An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help reduce the level of nitrogen oxides concentrating in the home, said Dr. Ravi Kalhan, a pulmonary medicine specialist at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. If you’re able to purchase one, place it in or near your kitchen, he said. (“Wirecutter” has guidance for selecting an air purifier.)6
The ongoing discussion surrounding the safety of gas stoves and their potential impact on indoor air quality has raised valid concerns among consumers. While research suggests a link between gas stove emissions and respiratory problems, including childhood asthma, it is important to note that this connection requires further study. And perhaps most tellingly, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is not currently seeking to regulate gas stoves, emphasizing the need for consumer education rather than banning the technology outright.
As industry professionals highlight, ventilation is a crucial factor in addressing indoor air quality concerns. By ventilating your kitchen adequately, using exhaust hoods, and considering alternative cooking methods, such as microwaves or toaster ovens, you can reduce potential risks associated with gas stove use. Additionally, purchasing an air purifier with a HEPA filter can further mitigate nitrogen oxide levels in your home.
The debate will continue so long as environmental watchdogs keep the heat up on appliance manufacturers. But “GasStove-gate” as a scandal, well, it might just soon burn out on its own. Whatever happens, feel free to reach out to us and stay informed, just email us at CPM for any questions or concerns you have: info@columbiapm.com.
1Ansari, Tatal. “House Passes Bill Limited Federal Regulation of Gas Stoves,” Wall Street Journal June 13, 2023. 2Natter, Ari, “US Agency to Consider Ban on Gas Stoves Amid Health Fears,” Bloomberg.com, Jan. 11, 2023. 3Ibid.4Trumka, Richard, Twitter post, Jan. 9, 2023. 5Blum, Dani, “Gas Stoves Are Tied to Health Concerns. Here’s How to Lower Your Risk,” New York Times, Jan. 11, 2023. 6Ibid, Blum.
Scott Bloom, Owner and Senior Property Manager, Columbia Property Management
Bloom founded Columbia Property Management in 2012. CPM’s goal is to provide a powerful, personal level of service to our clients. We focus on smaller landlords, professionally managing their assets, so they can succeed by investing in rental real estate.
Scott is an active member in multiple professional organizations including the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) and serves on the property management committee of Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® (GCAAR).
For more information and resources, go to www.ColumbiaPM.com
