Testimony in support of House Bill 3572, Gas Stove Warning Labels
Consumers deserve the truth when it comes to the danger of cooking with gas stoves. The kitchen should be a place of bonding – not a place where our families are exposed to toxic pollution that can make us sick.
Testimony of Abraham Scarr, Director, Illinois PIRG
in support of House Bill 3572, Gas Stove Warning Labels
Chairperson Meyers-Martin, Vice Chairperson Scherer, Spokesperson Weber, honorable members of the committee: thank you for the opportunity to submit written testimony in support of House Bill 3572.
My name is Abraham Scarr and I am the Director of Illinois PIRG. Illinois PIRG is a statewide, citizen funded, non-partisan public interest advocacy organization that speaks out for a healthier, safer world in which we’re freer to pursue our own individual well-being and the common good.
Thank you Rep. Stava-Murray for sponsoring HB3572.
More than four decades of research shows that gas stoves are producing dangerous air pollution indoors – increasing the risk of childhood asthma and other respiratory problems, but this risk has largely been hidden from the public
Consumers deserve the truth when it comes to the danger of cooking with gas stoves. The kitchen should be a place of bonding – not a place where our families are exposed to toxic pollution that can make us sick.
In December, U.S. PIRG Education Fund released the results of a consumer survey that found major retailers were largely failing to warn potential customers of gas stove health concerns – and safety measures that could protect their health. In a survey conducted across 10 states, nearly three-quarters of survey takers were told that gas stove pollution was not a concern, and more than six in 10 were told that ventilation was unnecessary to protect health. I was one of those survey takers, and found the otherwise very nice and helpful staff at my local Home Depot unable to answer basic questions about gas stoves health risks and the need for ventilation.
We know that many Americans prefer cooking with gas. For years, as a dedicated home chef, I was one of them. I would not consider renting an apartment with an electric stove. But as I learned about the health risks for me and my young children, I made the switch to electric induction. Not only did I eliminate a health risk in my home, I couldn’t be happier with induction performance.
Unfortunately, many Americans don’t know the well established health risks of cooking with gas. After Americans learn about the risks, they are less likely to prefer gas over electric stoves. According to a January survey by Data for Progress, consumer preference for gas stoves dropped from 36% to 27% after learning about the health risks associated with gas stoves. For current owners of gas stoves, the shift was more dramatic, from 60% indicating they would purchase a gas stove again, down to 46%
Our survey result and this data underscores exactly why the Illinois General Assembly should pass HB3572 to require warning labels on gas stoves. Consumers will make decisions to protect their families health — whether by avoiding gas stoves or using proper ventilation – when they are properly informed. Currently, consumers cannot count on home improvement and appliance store staff to reliably provide them with this information. Gas stove warning labels are a simple step the Illinois General Assembly can take to empower Illinois families to protect their health.
In conclusion, consumers deserve to know about pollution in their home. Please pass HB3672.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit written testimony. I will be happy to answer any questions the committee may have.
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