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 | May 7, 2019
WSP USA says it will be carbon neutral in 2019
Engineering firm will offset carbon at all offices and with employee business travel.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2019
Report: Contractors invest $1.6 billion in workforce development annually
ABC members increased training spending 45% from 2013, according to a new report.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2019
New York City’s Green New Deal would ban all-glass skyscrapers
The ambitious plan would also boost affordable housing, reduce building emissions, and update codes to account for sea level rise.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2019
Chicago, Houston, and Dallas deemed ‘most dangerous cities for migratory birds’
The three cities are in the heart of North America’s most trafficked aerial corridors.
Codes and Standards | Apr 19, 2019
Notre Dame fire highlights danger of renovating historic structures
The devastating fire at Notre-Dame de Paris is the latest blaze to damage or destroy historic buildings while undergoing renovations. It highlights how vulnerable such structures are to fire while undergoing repairs.
Codes and Standards | Apr 19, 2019
Developers and owners can now join AIA 2030 Commitment
Organization offers tools and resources for working toward net-zero design.
Codes and Standards | Apr 19, 2019
New method of manufacturing cement removes CO2 from the air
Breakthrough could have significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Codes and Standards | Apr 12, 2019
Deadline nears on New York City sprinkler requirement for tall office buildings
The mandate applies to all buildings regardless of when constructed.
Codes and Standards | Apr 8, 2019
LEED v4.1 now available for cities, communities, residential/homes
The rating system emphasizes performance monitoring, fully integrated design, social equity, and human health.
Market Data | Apr 8, 2019
Engineering, construction spending to rise 3% in 2019: FMI outlook
Top-performing segments forecast in 2019 include transportation, public safety, and education.
