flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

The argument against gas stoves includes degraded indoor air quality

Codes and Standards

The argument against gas stoves includes degraded indoor air quality

Asthma seems to be aggravated by cooking with flame.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | November 3, 2020
gas stove with flame

Courtesy Pixabay

The environmental argument for banning gas appliances from new construction projects often centers on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but another justification is to improve indoor air quality.

Indeed, cooking on a gas stove releases nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide—some of the same fumes found in car exhaust. Brief exposures to air with high concentrations of NO2 can lead to coughing and wheezing for people with asthma or other respiratory afflictions, and prolonged exposure can contribute to the development of those conditions, according to the EPA.

Homes with gas stoves can contain 50% to 400% higher concentrations of NO2 than homes with electric stoves. These levels of indoor air pollution would be illegal outdoors.

Standard electric stoves do not release such indoor pollutants, but they do consume more total energy than gas stoves. Electric induction ranges use less energy, but only work with certain cookware, and are more expensive. Induction cooking also takes some getting used to, with cooks facing a learning curve to prepare certain foods.

About 30 California communities are moving toward all-electric building codes. Cities in other states are also moving to do the same or are considering bans.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Oct 7, 2020

More energy efficiency programs are encouraging zero-energy projects

At least 20 programs for new construction, major renovations emerge.

Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2020

LEED, GBCI rating systems spur resilience-enhancing strategies

Expanded programs, resources address impact of climate change.

Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2020

International Code Council to hold inaugural online education event

Week-long ICC Learn Live will include panel conversations, keynotes, and breakout sessions around key topics in building safety.

Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2020

Guides addressing fenestration anchorage updated

First update to decade-old technical documents released.

Codes and Standards | Oct 1, 2020

Deadline extension for LEED 2009 project certifications

Delivery timeline delays due to COVID-19 pandemic prompt action.

Codes and Standards | Sep 29, 2020

New drinking water standard criteria further restricts lead leaching in plumbing products

Tightened standard applies to endpoint devices that dispense drinking water, and other plumbing components

Codes and Standards | Sep 29, 2020

Groups sue CDC over eviction moratorium

Natl. Apartment Assn. and New Civil Liberties Alliance want hearing by October.

Codes and Standards | Sep 24, 2020

Benefits of building enclosure commissioning include reduced costs

Savings achieved in less rework and fewer and shorter punch lists.

Codes and Standards | Sep 23, 2020

Intl. Code Council aims to stay ahead of new tech, efficiency trends, and resiliency

Passive survivability, social resiliency, and community health among the goals.

Codes and Standards | Sep 22, 2020

Air cleaners, chemical and UV treatments among tools to safeguard indoor air amid pandemic

Strategies augment social distancing, increased air flow to combat COVID-19 spread.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021