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, 2019
New seismic standard to evaluate, retrofit existing structural steel buildings open for review
AISC seeks input through Nov. 4.
Codes and Standards | Sep 27, 2019
Open source tool allows comparison of embodied carbon emissions from construction materials
Enables carbon-smart choices during material specification and procurement.
Codes and Standards | Sep 27, 2019
AIA declaration: Climate change requires ‘holistic approach’
Must address interdependencies among people, buildings, infrastructure, and the environment.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2019
San Jose’s new building energy code is the most stringent among large cities
New regulations aim to make zero-emission electric buildings the norm.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2019
Building support for climate action depends on linking it to health, economic benefits
USGBC report finds most people don’t think environmental problems significant enough to prioritize action.
Codes and Standards | Sep 20, 2019
OSHA has a new chief for its construction directorate
Former Army medical staffer Scott Ketcham has extensive OSHA experience.
Codes and Standards | Sep 20, 2019
American Wood Council updates free Connection Calculator
Tool includes cross-laminated timber connection provisions and post-frame ring shank nails.
Codes and Standards | Sep 19, 2019
Virtual reconnaissance of Bahamas finds some structures performed well during Dorian
Amid devastation, lives likely saved by resilient buildings.
Codes and Standards | Sep 19, 2019
Obama-era Waters of the U.S. rule revoked
New rule expected to define protected waterways more narrowly.
Codes and Standards | Sep 17, 2019
California will enact rent cap bill limiting rent increases to 5% plus inflation
Applies to apartments built at least 15 years ago.