I like to think of myself as someone who looks at both sides of a story. With so much misinformation out there, we need to remain objective. This way we avoid getting pulled in by sensational news headlines or explosive social media posts. I am especially interested in articles and reports regarding the environment. How can we work together to make small improvements that support the greater good? One idea is to kill your gas stove. However, this suggestion has the American Gas Association (AGA) up in arms. Here’s a look at both sides of the story. (1, 2)

Gas Stoves Unleash Dangerous Fumes

According to studies, gas stoves can emit between 50 to 400% more NO2 than other types of cooking appliances. However, the AGA says gas stoves are a minor source of NO2. They claim more NO2 enters the home from outdoor sources such as vehicle emissions. They admit emissions do exist from gas ranges and ovens. But, they don’t feel they represent health risks. They also note that emissions decay over time so accumulative exposure is not likely. (3, 2)

Coughing and Wheezing From Exposure to NO2

According to the EPA, even brief exposures to air with high concentrations of NO2 can cause breathing issues. This relates to people with existing respiratory issues such as asthma. As well, as NO2 levels increase, children with asthma experienced worsening symptoms. According to AGA, these “far-reaching” conclusions didn’t measure emissions exposures. They also feel the tests lacked validity because the calculations and estimates were not reported in relation to exposure calculations. Not sure what that means, but there you go! (4, 5)

Natural Gas Contributes To Carbon Pollution

This one gets hazy. It appears there is little to tie gas stoves directly to causing greenhouse emissions and carbon pollution. However, AGA says when using natural gas for cooking it creates less than 0.2% of total annual greenhouse gas emissions. (1, 2)

Gas Stoves Prevent Switching To Renewable Power Grids

To use gas stoves gas lines must be installed within the infrastructure of residential areas. Because this is costly, it prevents these areas from investing in other renewable power grids to provide different choices for cooking appliances. While there’s no denying the underlying infrastructure is required for natural gas lines, many areas already have these in place. As well, the AGA says natural gas is used in combination with renewable energy which has contributed to the decline of carbon monoxide emissions related to energy use. In fact, they say that the existing infrastructure is perfect for many alternatives including the storage of renewable energy. It can also be used to deliver renewable gases created from biogenic sources as well as zero-carbon electricity. (1,2)

Lower Income Homes Exposed To Gas Stove Pollution

Lower-income homes are notorious for having poorer ventilation. They are also more likely to force people to heat their homes with their gas ovens if they can’t afford to repair their furnace or live in a complex with malfunctioning furnaces. AGA says natural gas ranges can be used safely even without exhausting range hoods. However, this would require education of lower-income households to explain the steps they can take to keep safe. (1, 2)

So there you have it. While it seems a natural gas stove can be problematic, it might need more conclusive studies to prove the point. (1,2)