This is a news compilation setting the record straight on the day’s top anti-oil and gas stories and providing research and facts to counter misinformation about the oil and gas industry.
News Headline:
Sensationalist and misleading video from The Weather Channel tells viewers to get rid of natural gas stoves.
Gas Stoves Could Complicate Coronavirus Infections, Experts Say
The Facts:
According to experts, natural gas and electric stoves are the cleanest forms of cooking.
- The video claims that “experts” say that gas stoves can increase air pollutants that can exasperate respiratory issues but according to the World Health Organization, electricity and natural gas are among the cleanest solutions to keep indoor air pollutants below WHO guidelines.
http://energyaccessplatform.org/index.php/focus-areas/clean-cooking#:~:text=BLEN%20fuels%20(biogas%2C%20liquefied%20petroleum,options%20for%20household%20energy%20use. - This is the direct quote from the Canada Health Guidelines, which is consistent with independent research that says modern gas stoves with proper ventilation are safe:
“Data from Canadian indoor air studies indicate that the concentration of NO2 in most electric stove homes will rarely exceed this level and that this concentration is also attainable in gas stove homes when adequate stovetop ventilation is used.”
- Despite headline-grabbing claims that gas stove use can increase the risk of respiratory issues such as asthma, this independent study found that most studies on the impact of exposure to gas stoves on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function have been inconclusive for both children and adults.
https://thorax.bmj.com/content/57/11/973 - The video suggests switching to electric appliances will alleviate pollutants related health effects, however, switching to other appliances is not a useful strategy to address indoor air quality because even switching to electric stoves can increase particulate matter which can affect respiratory health.
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/factsheet-cooking-and-indoor-air-quality.html - There are two clean indoor cooking options, electricity, and natural gas. It’s worth noting that faulty electrical equipment is the most common cause of house fires.
https://fuseinsurance.ca/5-leading-causes-of-house-fires/#:~:text=Electrical%20faults%20in%20home%20wiring,not%20qualified%20to%20do%20so.
