After Learning About Their Toxic Emissions, Americans Support Regulating Gas Stoves
By Sabrina Jacobs
A growing list of studies have revealed that gas stoves release dangerous levels of indoor air pollutants, exposing tens of millions of Americans to air pollution levels that would be illegal outdoors under national air quality standards. Gas stoves release about twice as many PM2.5 particles as electric stoves, and also emit nitrogen oxides, the same gases emitted by cars, boats, and other machines. Overexposure to these pollutants can lead to illnesses like asthma and lung cancer.
In a new survey, Data for Progress finds that after Americans learn about the harmful effects of gas stove emissions, they are less likely to prefer gas stoves over electric stoves. Before learning about the health effects, 54 percent of adults said they would be more likely to purchase an electric stove if they were in the market for a stove in the next decade, while 36 percent would purchase gas stoves. Nine percent would choose an induction cooktop.
However, after respondents learn about the latest scientific findings, this gap widens, with 59 percent preferring electric stoves and just 27 percent preferring gas stoves. Interest in induction stoves also rises, to 13 percent. Current gas stove users are particularly affected, with their preference for purchasing another gas stove in the next decade dropping from 60 percent to 46 percent.
Data for Progress also finds that 67 percent of adults support giving the Consumer Product Safety Commission authority to regulate safety levels for gas-burning stoves. These regulations would allow the commission to manage safe levels of emissions. Eighty-two percent of Democrats, 65 percent of Independents, and 49 percent of Republicans support regulating gas-burning stoves.
With new studies demonstrating the severe health hazards of gas stoves, it’s crucial that authorities take action to protect those who have gas stoves in their homes and have been cooking with them for years. A majority of Americans have an interest in switching to electric or induction stoves and investing in a healthier home environment.
Sabrina Jacobs (@bri_jacobs) is a staff writer at Data for Progress.
Survey Methodology