Biden Administration Considers Banning Gas Stoves Nationwide

The Biden administration may consider a nationwide ban on gas stoves amid the mounting concerns about the health impacts of the appliances.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission plans to take action to address the indoor pollution caused by stoves after recent studies showed emissions from the devices can cause health and respiratory problems, Bloomberg reported Monday.

Consumer Product Safety commissioner Richard Trumka Jr. told Bloomberg that gas stove usage is a "hidden hazard."

"Any option is on the table. Products that can't be made safe can be banned," Trumka was quoted as saying by the outlet.

Aside from potentially banning the manufacture or import of gas stoves, the agency is also considering setting standards for the emissions of the appliances, Trumka said.

The official said that the CPSC is planning to open public comment on hazards posed by gas stoves later this year.

According to reports by groups such as the American Chemical Society and New York University Law School's Institute for Policy Integrity, about 40% of U.S. households use natural gas stoves, which emit air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide.

The appliances also emit fine particulate matter at levels deemed unsafe by the Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization.

"Natural gas cooking appliances release methane─primarily through small, persistent leaks─and nitrogen dioxide while in use, damaging the climate and degrading indoor air quality," ACS said in its report.

These air pollutants are linked to respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems, cancer and other health conditions, according to studies.

In October 2022, Consumer Reports urged consumers planning to buy a new stove to consider going electric after the study findings, according to Bloomberg.

A recent study published by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health also found that more than 12% of current childhood asthma cases in the country can be attributed to the indoor use of gas stoves.

"There are about 50 years of health studies showing that gas stoves are bad for our health, and the strongest evidence is on children and children's asthma. By having a gas connection, we are polluting the insides of our homes," study co-author Brady Seals said, per Bloomberg.

The study suggested replacing gas cooking with cleaner alternatives such as electric stoves and reducing exposure to air pollutants through source ventilations such as range hoods.

Commenting on the plans of the CPSC, lawmakers reportedly urged the commission to consider requiring warning labels, range hoods and performance standards instead of banning gas stoves altogether.