WTF Is Going on With Gas Stoves?

Gas stoves are under some serious heat right now - and with good reason. We know natural gas is terrible for the planet, but a growing body of research is now pointing to its harmful effects on human health. So, what can we do about it?

January 25, 2023

— Written by Shayna Berglas

Gas is Gaslighting You

(Ilse Driessen/Unsplash)

Cookware, gas stoves in particular, are a hot topic right now. A recent study linked them to one in eight childhood asthma cases, leading the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to announce it would look into banning them, leading to reactions like this:

The question is, does the man have a point? What’s all the fuss about, anyway? Here’s a quick breakdown:

The Problem - Gas stoves are a big source of indoor air pollution. It happens while the stove is on - burning gas creates heat which releases the compound NOx, a lung irritant - but, apparently it also happens when it’s off. An increasing body of research tells us that gas stoves constantly emit toxic compounds such as benzene, a carcinogen. One study by PSE Healthy Energy found benzene in 99% of samples it took in homes in California. Yikes.

The Solution - For the millions in America cooking with gas without a vent over their stove to clear the air, myself included, it would be unrealistic to assume we have the time, funds, or even the capability to execute a kitchen makeover. Useful tactics include opening the windows and even putting a fan in the window to help suck the indoor air out. If you can get a new stove, consider electric or induction. They’re cleaner for your body and for the planet, and, contrary to popular belief, induction stoves are actually more effective at heating food.

Good Climate News! 🌍

Enough with the gas-talk. I’m tired of it, and apparently so is the federal government’s Short-Term Energy Outlook! In 2024, wind, solar, and other renewable sources are expected to provide more electricity than a quarter of the nation's total electricity production for the first time, stealing its share from coal and natural gas.

In 2020, renewables exceeded coal’s contribution to U.S. energy generation for the first time only to be beaten out by fossil fuels again in 2021. But according to the latest news, coal is not planning a second comeback. As awareness is growing about the lack of economic viability and the risk of increased emissions, coal plants are continuing to shut down, and developers aren't constructing any new ones.

The growth of wind and solar power, which make up the bulk of the renewable push across the country, is anticipated to grow so quickly that, by 2024, only those two sources would account for 18% of the country's energy needs, surpassing coal's current share of 17%. We love the sound of that!

What We’re Watching 🎥, Reading 📚, and Listening to 🎧

Searching for more positive and informative climate content? Look no further!

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As of May 2022, only 5% to 6% of the 46 million tons of plastic waste generated annually in the U.S. gets recycled. One startup has found a way to make the sorting process light years more efficient – and they’re using robots to do it. Click to learn more!

Congress just took a big step toward protecting our ocean 🌊🌊🌊 Learn more.