Speaker 1 (00:00):
It is a topic that is generating some heated debate. Could gas stoves eventually be banned here in the United States? The Consumer Product Safety Commission raised that possibility this week with one of its commissioners warning that using gas stoves is a hidden hazard.
Speaker 2 (00:15):
CBS 8’s Richard Allen has more on the possible health impacts, as well as the incentives now being offered to switch to electric.
Speaker 3 (00:24):
Well, that’s right. 35% of households in the United States use gas stoves, and that number here in California is almost double. But several studies have shown that some of the chemicals released by gas stoves have been linked to certain health conditions, including asthma. Many San Diegans who use gas stoves instead of electric ones have strong opinions on their choice.
Speaker 4 (00:44):
Heats up fast and cooks quick, and it cleans quick.
Speaker 5 (00:48):
It’s clean, it’s quiet, it’s efficient.
Speaker 3 (00:50):
And they can get heated when a possible ban on gas stoves is suggested.
Speaker 5 (00:55):
I think that taking away the people’s gas stoves, I think, to be honest with you, is rather silly.
Speaker 4 (00:59):
What are they else are they going to take away from us?
Speaker 3 (01:01):
Earlier this week, a commissioner with the Consumer Product Safety Commission said that a possible ban on gas stoves is being considered. Saying, quote, “Any option is on the table. Products that can’t be made safe can be banned.” Something he also confirmed last month.
Speaker 6 (01:17):
Unfortunately, the vast majority of Americans have no idea that every time they cook, they could be subjecting themselves and their loved ones to toxic chemicals.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
Among those chemicals, according to several studies, are nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. One study found that nearly 13% of current childhood asthma nationwide is attributed to gas stove use. While another study last fall by PSE Healthy Energy, a research and policy institute in the Bay Area, analyzed gas samples from 159 homes throughout California.
Speaker 7 (01:48):
Well, every sample of gas had levels of hazardous air pollutants in the gas.
Speaker 3 (01:53):
Including the cancer causing chemical benzene found in all but one sample collected. While the US Product Safety Commission says it pledged to solicit public comment later this year on a possible ban on gas stoves, a tweet by that same commissioner today clarified that any revised regulations would apply to new products. Saying, quote, “CPSC isn’t coming for anyone’s gas stoves.” While also pointing out the federal government is offering rebates for Americans choosing to switch from gas to electric. This is part of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, passed last year, including a rebate of up to $840 for an electric stove or other electric appliances and up to $500 to help cover the cost of converting to electric from gas.
(02:38)
Already in the cities of San Diego and Ensenadas, along with dozens of other cities statewide, natural gas hookups have been banned in new construction.
(02:48)
And for more information on those federal rebates on electric appliances, just go to cbs8.com and click on the help button.