The blue flames of a natural gas stove emit harmful pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide. Consumer and environmental watchdog groups want health warning labels on new gas stoves to let buyers know of the risks.
Steven Senne/AP
Ecclesiastes 5:8 If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still
Important Takeaways:
- Gas stoves may soon come with a tobacco-style health warning label in California
- Because a stove’s blue flame releases air pollution into your kitchen, California lawmakers have passed a bill that would require such warning labels on gas stoves for sale in stores and online. Gov. Gavin Newsom has until the end of September to sign the bill into law.
- The legislation comes after a series of lawsuits was filed against stove manufacturers, claiming they should have warned customers about potential health risks.
- Environmental activists are encouraging people to switch to electric stoves, part of a broader campaign to cut climate pollution from buildings
- If Pellerin’s legislation becomes law, it will require a label on gas stoves for sale in stores and online that says, “Gas stoves can release nitrogen dioxide, benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other harmful pollutants into the air, which can be toxic to people and pets.” The label would also mention associated risks for breathing problems, suggest using a vent hood and say, “Young children, people with asthma, and people with heart or lung disease are especially vulnerable to the toxic effects of combustion pollutants.”
- Similar bills were introduced in Illinois and New York, but unlike California’s version, lawmakers did not pass them out of the legislature.
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