B.C. doctor, environmentalist weigh in on health impact of gas stoves after U.S. study

Natural gas stoves are in the spotlight following U.S. studies showing their emissions in homes could negatively impact peoples’ health — especially kids with asthma.

On Wednesday, the chair of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Alexander Hoehn-Saric, issued a statement addressing concerns associated with gas stoves.

“Research indicates that emissions from gas stoves can be hazardous, and the CPSC is looking for ways to reduce related indoor air quality hazards,” he said. “But to be clear, I am not looking to ban gas stoves and the CPSC has no proceeding to do so.”

A statement from chair of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Alexander Hoehn-Saric on the safety of gas stoves. (Photo via U.S CPSC)

With the attention the appliances are drawing, B.C. pediatrician Dr. Ran Goldman says the concerns over emissions are valid, but there’s no need to panic.

“I don’t want parents to rush [out] the door after hearing this to go and spend money and change their lives because of this one, or few, studies that have suggested that,” he told CityNews.

Goldman adds it’s important to make sure there is proper ventilation for the stoves.

“Making sure you vent the home properly — this is true for children with asthma and without — venting the home is critical to making sure they are healthy,” he explained.

“Venting, whether it’s using the gas vent on top of the gas stove, opening a window – even if it’s cold outside – a sliver of open window will bring in good air.”

While the risk posed to asthmatic kids by gas stoves can be mitigated, Goldman acknowledges over time, the burning of fossil fuels could impact the health of you and the environment.

Founder of Clean Energy Canada, Merran Smith, hopes the conversation about the appliances will lead people to choose other options for stoves and fireplaces.

“Your home heating and your car — those are the two biggest contributors to carbon emissions, carbon pollution, and climate change, but your stove is another piece of it,” she said.

“Gas stoves are not good for your health — we already know they’re bad for the climate and so those are two good reasons to shift onto electricity and do it as soon as you can.”

“Climate change is becoming very real to people,” Merran continued. “So, the answers are to shift off of fossil fuels. So, getting it out of our homes is something individuals can do.”

The City of Vancouver began phasing out natural gas in homes last year as part of a climate initiative. On the provincial level, the government has as goal of new homes being zero-emission by 2030.

While there are provincial rebates available for people to switch to electric cars, there is no such program in place for converting to an electric stove or fireplace.