Publications and statements about cooking with gas
Resources
CLASP and EPHA, Exposing the Hidden Health Impacts of Cooking with Gas
In 2023, CLASP and the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) launched a report synthesising the health risks of cooking with gas, quantifying the societal cost, and offering insights on the shortcomings of hydrogen as a cooking fuel. The report also gives actionable solutions to phase out gas cooking appliances across the EU-27.
Piet Jacobs (TNO), Health effects in EU and UK from cooking on gas
Based on existing literature and datasets, the TNO study shows that 12% of the current paediatric asthma cases in the EU (that is, over 700,000 children) could be avoided if gas cookers were removed.
Global Cooksafe Coalition, launch report
The launch report of the coalition exposes the negative impacts on health and climate of cooking with gas, and advocates for the equity dimension of the transition to renewable power. The Global Cooksafe Coalition brings together stakeholders in the sectors of food and cooking, public health, climate change science, renewable energy, aid and development, and property and the built environment.
American Medical Association, resolutions 438 and 439 (A-22)
On 14 June 2022, the American Medical Association adopted two resolutions related to the use of gas and hydrogen-blended gas in homes. The AMA resolved that cooking with a gas stove increases household air pollution and the risk of childhood asthma.
American Lung Association, report on impacts of residential combustion
The 2022 Literature Review on the Impacts of Residential Combustion – Final Report notes that: “Exposure to indoor NO2 and other pollutants from natural gas combustion can exacerbate asthma symptoms and wheeze in children. It may also increase lower respiratory tract illnesses and reduce lung function parameters in children, particularly in the absence of ventilation and for those living with asthma or allergies.”
American Public Health Association, Policy 20225: Gas Stove Emissions Are a Public Health Concern
The American Public Health Association policy adopted in 2022 points to the health impacts of pollution from gas stoves, denounces the lack of safeguards in place to protect the health of the public from gas stove emissions and states that “Replacing existing gas stoves with electric or induction stoves is the most effective strategy for gas stove emissions mitigation.”
Physicians for Social Responsibility, information on Health Harms from Gas Stoves
The PSR page states that “These appliances [gas stoves], despite their popularity, produce harmful air pollutants that can negatively impact your and your family’s health. These health effects include childhood asthma, increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, and neurological damage.”
National Asthma Council Australia, information on gas stoves and asthma in children
The information presented on the National Asthma Council Australia page includes statements such as “Scientists have found that around 12 per cent of childhood asthma in Australia can be attributed to the use of gas stoves for cooking.” and “Cooking with gas releases chemicals such as nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde, which can cause inflammation in the airways and may worsen asthma symptoms.” The National Asthma Council Australia is formed of the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Doctors for the Environment Australia, Fact sheet: Home gas appliances and your health
In addition to recognizing the health dangers associated with gas cooking, such as increased asthma and slower brain and behaviour development in children, the Doctors for the Environment Australia fact sheet further mentions: “Even with appropriate education of consumers, the risks associated with indoor gas use cannot be eliminated. […] For these reasons, Doctors for the Environment Australia supports the gradual phaseout of gas burning appliances in homes. Homeowners must be supported in the transition towards safer, non-polluting electrical alternatives.”
Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS), resolution on gas stove use
The 2019 Massachusetts Medical Society resolution informs physicians, health care providers, and the public that “use of a gas stove increases household air pollution and the risk of childhood asthma and asthma severity.”
Washington State Medical Association, policy on Promotion of Building Electrification to Improve Human Health
The Washington State Medical Association policy is in support of phasing out gas infrastructure, declaring that “gas for cooking represents a health hazard and that gas for water and home heating represent long-term public health risks due to climate impacts.”