New evidence pointing to the potential health risks associated with gas stoves now has many people asking: Should I get rid of mine?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission earlier this week hinted at regulating the kitchen appliances that can contribute to indoor air pollution and exacerbate certain health conditions. Chatter about the gas-powered stoves—a fixture in tens of millions of homes—spiked after a study published in December linked them to childhood asthma, noting that roughly 13% of “current childhood asthma in the U.S. is attributable to gas stove use.”
Reports suggested an outright ban on the stoves may be in the cards, promoting the commission to offer some clarity on their position. Alex Hoehn-Saric, the commission’s chair, said on Wednesday that the federal agency isn’t looking to ban the stoves. Rather, the agency is “exploring new ways to address” the associated health risks.
“Contrary to recent media reports, I am not looking to ban gas stoves and the [U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission] has no proceeding to do so,” he said.
