Ian Patrick, FISM News
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is considering placing a future ban on gas stoves in America, citing the dangers of toxic materials.
Richard Trumka Jr., a commissioner for CPSC, told Bloomberg News that the gas stove “is a hidden hazard” when considering the invisible gases that emanate from it.
“Any option is on the table. Products that can’t be made safe can be banned,” Trumka Jr. continued.
Brady Seals, a manager in RMI’s Carbon-Free Buildings program, added to the concerns citing the existence of “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.”
A study released in January 2022 that gathered data on gas stoves in 53 homes backs up Seals’ remarks.
More than three-quarters of methane emissions we measured originated during steady-state-off. Using a 20-year timeframe for methane, annual methane emissions from all gas stoves in U.S. homes have a climate impact comparable to the annual carbon dioxide emissions of 500 000 cars. In addition to methane emissions, co-emitted health-damaging air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) are released into home air and can trigger respiratory diseases.
The study noted that the danger is increased for “families who don’t use their range hoods or who have poor ventilation.”
This follows a letter sent by Congressional Democrats to CPSC Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric on December 22, 2022 “regarding the risks posed to consumers from indoor air pollution generated by gas stoves.”
“Over a third of American households—more than 40 million homes—use a gas stove for cooking,” the letter reads, adding that the concern is greater for “Black, Latino, and low-income households” due to “disproportionate” conditions.
Karen Harbert, president of the American Gas Association, has spoken against the possible attempt to ban this equipment.
“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,” Harbert said according to The Daily Wire.
“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.”
Many reacted to the news with outrage.
Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) and conservative pundit Matt Walsh said the government would have to forcibly take their gas stoves.
I’ll NEVER give up my gas stove. If the maniacs in the White House come for my stove, they can pry it from my cold dead hands. COME AND TAKE IT!!
— Ronny Jackson (@RonnyJacksonTX) January 10, 2023
You will have to pry my gas stove from my cold dead hands https://t.co/fyJfyvCOJJ
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) January 10, 2023
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) posted a similar message on Twitter, telling President Biden to “get your hands off our gas stoves!!!!”
.@JoeBiden, get your hands off our gas stoves!!!!
If you know ANYTHING about cooking, there is nothing like cooking on a gas stove.
Democrats want to ban gas stoves.
Republicans want to LEAVE YOU ALONE. https://t.co/EGFza6H5Cn— Congressman Byron Donalds (@RepDonaldsPress) January 10, 2023