Given recent headlines raising concerns about the safety of gas stoves, you might find yourself questioning the safety of your current propane stove or reconsidering your plans to purchase one.
In addition to the news headlines, there is a rapid circulation of gossip on social media suggesting that the federal government is planning to prohibit the sale and usage of gas stoves, including those that are powered by propane.
Let’s address the unfounded rumor right away: there is no plan to take away your gas stove. The intention of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is simply to gather insights from you and the public regarding any potential risks associated with these stoves. This government agency is solely dedicated to ensuring consumer safety and has no intention of taking away products that people rely on daily in their homes.
In a January 11 statement, CPSC Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric said, “I am not looking to ban gas stoves and the CPSC has no proceeding to do so.”
Now, let us examine the information that has been distributed through both conventional and partisan media platforms.
Research has long warned about the potential hazards of indoor cooking. Whether using a gas stovetop, electric range, or wood-burning stove, all cooking methods release particulate matter (PM) into the air of your home.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has clarified that PM, also known as particulate matter, refers to tiny solid or liquid particles that can be inhaled into the lungs, causing significant health risks.
When cooking steak in a pan on the stovetop, searing produces smoke that contains particulate matter. Inhaling this smoky air is not healthy, so it’s important to maintain a healthy kitchen environment. Indoor air quality specialists recommend using range hoods to effectively vent out the contaminated particles. If you don’t have a range hood, simply opening a window near the cooking area can greatly improve ventilation.
There is growing concern about the rising levels of anxiety surrounding the release of methane from various sources of natural gas, including not only cooking stoves. This is a worrisome development due to the fact that methane is an incredibly potent greenhouse gas and makes up the majority of natural gas composition.
However, it’s important to note that propane is not classified as a greenhouse gas since it doesn’t contain methane.
Here’s another instance highlighting the impact of not distinguishing between these two fuels on public perception. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health published the findings of a recent study, revealing that 12.7% of current pediatric asthma cases can be attributed to the use of gas stoves.
Once again, the researchers failed to distinguish between propane and natural gas stoves. Instead, they simply referred to them as “gas stoves,” without acknowledging or perhaps even recognizing the disparities between the two.
With dependable propane delivery and service from Murray-Heutz, you can enjoy the benefits of propane in your Central Maine home, including cooking with gas! Become a customer today.
