The debate over gas stoves is heating up again in California as lawmakers push forward a bill that could require new gas stoves to carry warning labels about potential health and environmental risks. This legislation, introduced by Assembly Member Gail Pellerin, would make California the first state in the U.S. to mandate such labels, highlighting concerns about air pollutants emitted by gas stoves.
What The Proposed Warning Label Would Say?
If the bill is signed into law, starting January 1, 2025, new gas stoves sold online must display a warning label prominently. By 2026, any gas stoves sold in stores would also need the label. The warning would read:
CAUTION: Gas stoves can let out harmful gases like nitrogen dioxide, benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and other bad stuff into the air. This can be dangerous for people and pets. Breathing in these gases can cause health problems, especially for kids, asthmatics, and those with heart or lung issues. To stay safe, make sure there’s good air flow and use a vent hood when cooking on a gas stove.
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The Health And Environmental Concerns
The push for warning labels stems from research showing that gas stoves emit pollutants harmful to health and the environment. A 2022 Stanford study revealed that all tested gas stoves leaked methane, a potent greenhouse gas, even when turned off. The research also found that the amount of methane coming from gas stoves in the U.S. is the same as the carbon dioxide released by 500,000 cars each year.
Also, Scientific American pointed out the health dangers of gas stoves. They mentioned that when gas stoves are used, they release nitrogen oxides, which can bother the lungs and may cause breathing problems.
A joint study by the EPA and Duke University found that exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves increases the likelihood of childhood respiratory illnesses by 20%.
In an experiment conducted by Columbia University, 20 homes switched from gas stoves to electric induction stoves. Results showed a 197 ppb increase in nitrogen dioxide concentrations when cooking with gas, nearly double the EPA’s limit. After ten months, homes with electric stoves experienced a 35% reduction in daily nitrogen dioxide levels. Participants also preferred the electric stoves, citing their ease of use and cooking quality.
The Controversy: Are Electric Stoves Safer?
The new warning label is causing a disagreement. Some people in the industry are worried about what it says. Kevin Messner, who works for a group of companies that make home appliances, thinks the label could be confusing. He says gas and electric stoves need good airflow, but the warning might make people think only gas stoves are dangerous.
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“If you see a gas stove with a warning about ventilation but no such label on electric stoves, it’s common sense that you’ll think you don’t need ventilation for electric appliances,” Messner said.
A 2024 Public Interest Research Group study highlighted this issue, finding that 76% of sales associates told secret shoppers that gas stoves were perfectly safe, with 80% saying that external range hoods were unnecessary.
Transparency For Consumers
Pellerin emphasized that the bill aims to provide consumers with transparent information to make informed decisions for their families. She explained to NPR, “This is about ensuring transparency so consumers have all the information they need to make the right choices for their household.”
The bill now sits on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, and he has until the end of September to decide whether to sign it into law. If approved, California will set a new standard for consumer awareness regarding gas stoves and their potential impacts on health and the environment.