Consumer safety official sets his sights on gas stove pollution

A growing body of research finds gas stoves use emits health-harming pollutants inside homes and – alarmingly – gas stoves leak toxic chemicals and carcinogens even while off. Indeed, cooking with gas can produce air pollution levels indoors that would exceed outdoor standards. Gas stoves, which are common in millions of American homes, can emit pollutants that some studies show lead to the development of asthma, especially in children, and may worsen symptoms for those with preexisting respiratory illnesses.

And yet, there is no federal standard to regulate gas stove emissions or protect consumers’ health.

That could change soon, according to Commissioner Richard Trumka Jr., of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). On a webinar hosted by PIRG, Commissioner Trumka talked about the concerns with gas stove pollution, and noted that many Americans are likely unaware of the risks. “The vast majority of Americans have no idea that every time they cook they could be subjecting themselves and their loved ones to toxic chemicals,” Trumka said. He went on to detail the CPSC’s plan for addressing the issue, and announced that the agency would be opening a formal request for information in the spring, at which time they will solicit information from experts and the public about the health hazards associated with cooking with gas, and the possible policy solutions the agency can pursue.

Watch Commission Trumka’s full remarks below.