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 | Dec 21, 2021

Outdated and redundant building codes plague St. Louis area development

Region’s combined codes nearly double the length of the IRS Code.

Digital Twin | Dec 20, 2021

Groups ally to advance augmented reality and digital twin technology

AREA and Digital Twin Consortium to work on improving how technology components interoperate.

Codes and Standards | Dec 20, 2021

Tension rises in California over state’s push to build more housing

Attorney general hints at lawsuits against cities that don’t comply with zoning reform.

Codes and Standards | Dec 17, 2021

Tension rises in California over state’s push to build more housing

Attorney general hints at lawsuits against cities that don’t comply with zoning reform.

Codes and Standards | Dec 16, 2021

Home builders defeat proposed Oklahoma energy conservation code upgrade

Builders cite high home prices for opposition.

Codes and Standards | Dec 16, 2021

Laws and regulations complicate growth of community solar gardens

New projects stymied by utility resistance and legislative restrictions.

Codes and Standards | Dec 16, 2021

Property owners need systematic approach to GHG emissions reduction

Energy hog buildings at risk for becoming stranded assets.

Codes and Standards | Dec 15, 2021

Design problems now the primary cause of construction claims and disputes

More likely to occur due to more tight timescales imposed upon third parties engaged in design.

Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2021

ABC releases guide to technology for improving safety performance

Provides details on how to identify, choose, and implement technology.

Codes and Standards | Dec 8, 2021

Construction industry is the top target for cyberattacks

Smart building tech is a new avenue for criminals.

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