ERICA VELLA: It starts with a click,
and then it's how millions of Canadians
begin their cooking routine each day.
But gas stoves are igniting controversy
after hints of a possible ban sparked in the US.
JEFFREY SIEGEL: When you combust natural gas,
you produce a lot of things.
You produce ultrafine or very small
particles that can penetrate very deep
into our respiratory system.
ERICA VELLA: Studies have shown that stoves that
burn natural gas can emit pollutants
inside a home, like nitrogen dioxide
and fine particulate matter.
A study from the Institute for Policy Integrity
says the pollutant concentrations can exceed
levels that the US EPA and the WHO have deemed unsafe
and linked to respiratory illness,
cardiovascular problems, cancer, and other serious health
conditions.
One peer-reviewed study released last month found almost 13%
of current childhood asthma in the US
was attributable to gas stove use.
RAN GOLDMAN: Asthma is such a multifactorial condition
with so many factors associated with it,
such as genetics and exposure to air quality
outside and other conditions.
It's hard to determine that 13% are caused
just because of gas at home.
JILL NOTINI: We are producing products
that are as safe as they are useful for the consumer.
And we continue to evolve and create new technologies.
ERICA VELLA: A ban in the US isn't imminent.
A statement from the chair of the US Consumer Product Safety
Commission says it's looking for ways
to reduce related indoor air quality hazards.
But to be clear, it's not looking to ban gas stoves.
And the CPSC has no proceeding to do so.
Experts say airborne emissions can happen with all energy
sources, including electric.
But there are ways to lessen any potential pollutants.
JEFFREY SIEGEL: Properly vent the cooking area.
And so a good range hood fan that
actually vents air to the outside is really important.
ERICA VELLA: Now, we have reached out to Health Canada.
In a statement, a spokesperson says Health Canada
has conducted studies to assess the level of pollutants
from the use of gas cooktop stoves.
And there are guidelines around safe levels
of indoor air pollutants in residential settings.
They also regularly monitor the marketplace and test products
to ensure that they're safe.
Alan.
ALAN CARTER: I think a lot of people
are thinking about whether they should keep their gas stove.
Thanks, Erica.