A fiery debate is sweeping the nation as gas stoves come under scrutiny for their alarming health risks. Federal regulators are spotlighting the connection between gas stove emissions and conditions like childhood asthma, respiratory diseases, and even cancer.
In fact, a recent Stanford study showed that these common appliances may harm household health as significantly as secondhand smoke, disproportionately impacting low-income communities.
Could your gas stove be silently endangering your family? Here’s what you need to know about the risks, the politics, and the path forward.
Health Risks: More Than Just Hot Air

Gas stoves emit several harmful pollutants, even when turned off.
These emissions include:
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- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a known respiratory irritant
- Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
- Carbon monoxide
- Benzene, a known carcinogen
The most concerning is the recent discovery that 13% of current childhood asthma cases in the United States can be directly attributed to gas stove use. (ref)
Children living in households with gas stoves are 42% more likely to develop asthma, with higher nitrogen dioxide levels correlating to more severe symptoms in both children and adults. (ref)
Environmental Justice & Economic Impact
The health burden of gas stove pollution disproportionately affects low-income and minority communities. These households are often located in areas with higher indoor and outdoor air pollution exposure, creating a cumulative health burden.
Small homes with poor ventilation and maintenance issues compound the problem, making these communities particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of gas stove emissions.
Environmental advocates argue that transitioning to electric stoves, particularly newer induction models, could provide health benefits and help combat climate change.
Looking Ahead: Solutions & Alternatives
While the CPSC has clarified it is not currently pursuing an outright ban, the agency is actively exploring various regulatory options to address these health concerns.
For current gas stove owners, several immediate steps can help reduce exposure to harmful emissions:
- Install and use high-efficiency range hoods that vent to the outside
- Open windows while cooking
- Consider using air purifiers with high CADR ratings
- Maintain proper ventilation throughout the home
Industry Response & Political Battleground
The potential regulation of gas stoves has sparked a fierce political debate, with industry stakeholders and lawmakers taking opposing positions. Major gas and appliance manufacturers have launched extensive lobbying efforts to prevent federal restrictions.
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Twenty-four states with Republican-controlled legislatures have adopted “preemption laws” to prohibit their cities from banning natural gas. (ref) In contrast, New York became the first state to legislatively ban gas appliances in new construction, taking effect in 2026 in most buildings. (ref)
Nearly 100 cities and counties have adopted policies requiring or encouraging the removal of fossil fuel-powered buildings.
However, a federal appeals court recently overturned Berkeley, California’s ban on natural gas in new construction, the first such ban in the U.S. (ref)
Scientific Evidence & Future Implications
Through decades of studies, scientists have documented the effects of gas stove exposure on respiratory health.
A 2013 meta-analysis of 41 studies confirmed that gas cooking increases asthma risk in children. Long-term nitrogen dioxide exposure has been linked to chronic lung disease and increased mortality. (ref)
These findings suggest that the health implications of gas stove use may be more severe than previously understood, potentially influencing future policy decisions and residential building codes.
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Read Next
If this has you worried about your homes indoor air quality, here are a couple of other articles that can help.
- How to Manage Indoor Air Quality: 3 Key Steps
- Top 10 Indoor Plants To Purify Air, According to NASA Expert
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.