Are gas stoves the new cigarette?

Update: Since publication, it’s come to light that the industry was aware of the dangers as early as 1907! (no, that’s not a typo, see page 193 of the hyperlinked source for more info)

A new peer-reviewed study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that in the U.S., 1 in 8 cases of childhood asthma is caused by gas stoves – a startling stat that’s on par with the risks posed by secondhand smoke.

Enough. Over the past three years, nearly 100 local governments across North America have taken matters into their own hands by passing policies to get rid of gas stoves and appliances by requiring new construction to be all-electric and helping retrofit existing buildings. This movement is growing by the day, and now we need you to add your voice to keep the momentum going.

Use our tool to look up and send a message to your local lawmakers urging them to do everything in their power to ensure new buildings in your community are all-electric and help phase gas and other fossil fuels out of existing buildings.

The fossil fuel industry has known for decades that gas stoves emit dangerous levels of formaldehyde, methane, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants – it just hasn’t cared. Even in the face of this latest research, it’s still pushing to add gas hook ups to new buildings and doom another generation of children to asthma and poor lung health. That’s where the Stand.earth community comes in.

Imagine if all homes, schools, and workplaces were warm and cozy through the winter without high energy bills. Imagine if seniors, renters, children, and other vulnerable residents were safe during summer heat waves because their homes were air conditioned. By replacing polluting gas appliances with highly efficient induction stoves and electric heat pumps, we can make this vision a reality.

Through the SAFE Cities initiative, our community is on the forefront of the movement to electrify our buildings. Together throughout 2022, we helped more than 30 local municipalities pass or introduce ordinances doing exactly that.

Together, we’re going to protect communities from fossil fuels, health risks, and pollution – one message at a time.

Note: If you currently have a gas stove and are worried about the harm it could be causing you and your family, make sure to run the overhead fan and/or open windows while cooking to increase ventilation and lower pollution risks.