Burners of gas stoves, which contribute to household air pollution, are the primary focus of the contentious debate regarding the regulation of these appliances.
The problem dates back to the 1970s, when the gas industry and appliance manufacturers developed cleaner, more efficient burners as a solution. However, these burners were never marketed due to their high cost, low durability, and difficulty in cleaning.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently reopened the investigation into the need for stricter regulations on gas stoves to protect public health, leaving open the possibility of outlawing the sale of brand-new gas stoves.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is also proposing regulations requiring all stoves to be more energy efficient. With this, more than half of the gas stove market will not fall under the new requirements.
These regulations, if approved, will apply to new cookware sales in 2027.
The cleaner, more effective burners were never made available, according to the gas industry and appliance manufacturers, who also cite consumer demand and other practical considerations.
However, DOE’s proposed regulation and CPSC’s related research suggest a shift in the industry’s position.
This discussion highlights the need for stronger regulations and consumer education on the subject and poses significant questions about how household appliances affect both human health and the environment.
Proposed regulations from DOE and CPSC studies are aimed at addressing these issues and creating a more sustainable and healthier future for consumers.
Burners in the Solution
Tightening regulations on gas stoves alone could have a big impact on our approach to appliances.
The current scenario highlights the need for sustainable solutions to reduce air pollution and mitigate the effects of climate change. The future looks bright for clean energy, and it’s up to us to make the right choices to support it.
In the 1980s, indoor air quality was a major concern as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) aimed to regulate home appliances that burned fossil fuels, including kerosene heaters.
With the increasing sales of these heaters, regulators became worried about the harmful pollution they emitted into homes, including nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), both of these pollutants can cause breathing problems and higher levels of nitrogen dioxide over longer periods may contribute to the development of asthma.
This caused concern for the natural gas industry, who worried that the CPSC might target gas cooking stoves next.
To address this concern, two industry research groups began working on burner improvements. This led to the development of a “jet-powered infrared gas-range burner.”
Unlike traditional gas stoves with their blue flame, the infrared burner had a flat ceramic plate with perforations that allowed air and fuel to burn bright red, making the flame difficult to see.
This innovative solution aimed to address the air quality concerns while still providing a reliable and efficient cooking source.
The development of the infrared gas-range burner shows how industry and regulation can work together to improve consumer safety and protect the environment.
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Gas Stoves Used Before
The infrared burner, developed in the 1980s as a solution to indoor air quality concerns, was a game-changer in the natural gas industry.
Not only did it consume 40% less natural gas to reach cooking temperatures, but it also emitted 40% less nitrogen oxides, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
This burner also had the added benefit of keeping kitchens cooler as more energy went into cooking the food, rather than heating the room.
Despite its potential, the infrared burner never made it to retail stoves. Caloric Corporation, a Pennsylvania-based stove manufacturer, expressed interest in the technology, but it was later absorbed into Whirlpool Corporation, who did not respond to inquiries about why the burner was never offered.
Thermo Electron Corporation, another company involved in the development process, is now called Thermo Fisher Scientific, and a spokesperson says the company cannot speak to the development.
Frank Johnson, the research and development manager at GTI Energy, says that the cost of the infrared burner was likely higher than existing technology, but he could not confirm the exact amount.
Currently, high-end kitchen range makers, such as Wolf, do offer infrared burners for charbroilers and griddles, but not for stovetop or oven burners.
Johnson recently warned high-end manufacturers at an industry conference that the days of paying a premium price for burners on expensive ranges may be over, as consumers demand more cost-effective and environmentally friendly options.
Despite the challenges faced by the infrared burner, it remains a testament to the possibilities of innovation in the natural gas industry.
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Health Risks
Gas cooking stoves have been the subject of growing concern due to their potential impact on public health.
The American Public Health Association and the American Medical Association have both raised alarm bells about the dangers of cooking with gas due to the emission of nitrogen dioxide, which is linked to breathing problems, especially in children and people with respiratory issues.
A recent study published in a peer-reviewed journal found that over 12.7% of childhood asthma cases in the United States could be attributed to gas stove use.
This finding has sparked controversy, with the gas utility industry pushing back against the study, which was funded by the environmental organization RMI, which advocates for the switch from gas to electric appliances.
The growing body of evidence highlighting the dangers of gas stoves has put both stove manufacturers and gas utilities under increased scrutiny.
While the debate continues, it is important for consumers to understand the risks associated with gas cooking and make informed decisions about their home appliances.
Whether it is switching to electric appliances or investing in more efficient and environmentally friendly gas stoves, the health and well-being of families must remain a top priority.
Photo: Merchdope
