Recently, numerous headlines have shed a questionable light on gas stoves and might make you wonder about the safety of your propane stove at home or whether you should continue to plan to install one.
On top of the headlines, allegations have been proliferating quickly over social media that the federal government is planning to ban folks from buying or using gas ovens.
Beginning with the online rumors, the government is not coming to take away your gas stove or other propane appliances. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the government body dedicated to protecting people from hazardous consumer products, is actively requesting public comments to help identify potential risks related to gas stoves.
In a January 11, 2023, statement, CPSC Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric said, “I am not looking to ban gas stoves and the CPSC has no proceeding to do so.”
Now we can look at what’s been covered in both mainstream and agenda-driven media.
For many years, researchers have warned of the potential risks posed by cooking. Whether you cook on a gas stove, electric range or wood-burning stove; all types of cooking result in PM emissions inside your home and this cannot be overlooked.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that PM, in the form of minuscule solids or liquids particles, can be breathed into our lungs and lead to severe health complications.
Take, for instance, when you’re cooking a steak on your stovetop. As it sizzles in the skillet, smoke starts to fill the air and with that comes particulate matter,– making inhalation hazardous to your health. When it comes to indoor air quality, the use of a range hood is strongly recommended by experts. If you don’t have one installed in your kitchen yet, open a nearby window for some airflow instead!
For years, alarm has been growing regarding the amount of methane discharged indoors from natural gas sources – not just stoves used for cooking. This is particularly concerning since methane is a highly effective greenhouse gas and makes up a huge chunk of all natural gases.
Unfortunately, many studies looking into the impact of gas cooking do not mention that propane does not contain methane and therefore does not contribute to greenhouse gases.
Here’s another example of not distinguishing between the two fuels and how it influences public perception. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, a recent study determined that approximately 12.7% of asthma among today’s children is caused by gas stoves.
Again, the researchers do not differentiate between propane and natural gas and just say, “gas stoves,” without noting (or perhaps not realizing) the differences between a natural gas stove and a propane stove.
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