The Complicated Culture of Gas Stoves

An essay by Raegan Bishop, Ph.D

The reduction of fossil fuels in the U.S. continues to be at the forefront of conversations about combatting climate change. As 2024 has continued to set records with high temperatures, it has become clear how important it is to reduce the use of fossil fuels around the U.S. Natural gas is one area of entry that could lead to substantial improvements in climate outcomes if its use were reduced or eliminated. However, large corporations, individual beliefs, and personal preferences can hinder policy changes that may reduce the use of natural gas products. Gas stoves, in particular, pose as a particularly controversial entry point.

Gas stoves have long been a controversial topic in the United States. Over forty years ago, attempts were made by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate the climate and health impacts of gas stoves. At the time, several studies of the impact of gas stove usage on individual health were assessed. However, the conflicting study results were deemed inconclusive. Ultimately, no new regulations were passed in the U.S., resulting in the gas stove usage that we see today.

Over the years gas stoves have maintained their popularity with nearly forty percent of U.S. homes having a gas stove. Despite their popularity, research evidencing gas stoves' negative effects on the environment and individual health has mounted. A recent study by scientists at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability found that gas stoves produce unsafe levels of the cancer-causing gas benzene when used. Additionally, benzene doesn't just stay in the kitchen, it often spreads to the rest of the home for several hours after the stove has been used. Furthermore, gas stoves can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and other potentially harmful pollutants. Not only does exposure to these chemicals impact susceptibility to asthma and cancer, but gas stoves can also impact the environment by releasing potent greenhouse gases.

Despite clear evidence of their negative impact, laws to reduce or eliminate gas stoves have been met with extensive backlash. Several right-leaning individuals have argued that banning gas stoves is an overreach of the federal government's power. In 2023, the House passed the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act, enacted to prevent other commissions from banning gas stoves across the U.S. President Biden recently attempted to reduce natural gas usage by enacting a bill requiring all federal buildings to stop using natural gas by 2030. Conversely, the U.S. House subsequently passed a bill reversing President Biden's attempts at reducing natural gas use across the U.S., making it clear how polarizing reducing natural gas usage can be. While the conversations around natural gas and gas stove usage have focused on actions carried out by those in the government, it is important to consider the larger culture and conversations around gas stoves.

One of the often-cited arguments for the elimination or reduction of gas stove usage involves the disproportionate impact of the stove on minority health outcomes. According to recent research, Latino, Hispanic, Black, American Indian, and Alaskan Native households have long-term NO2 exposure at levels that are 20% and 60% higher than the national average, respectively. This exposure is estimated to contribute to nearly 200,000 childhood asthma cases and 19,000 adult deaths each year. Quantifying and evaluating those most impacted by the negative impacts of natural gas usage is essential to conversations around environmental health.

An important aspect of the research on the impact of gas stoves on minority groups is the role of space in a home. While minorities were largely negatively impacted by gas stoves a key potential element is the amount of space the individuals reside in. The findings for the study showed that individuals living in smaller spaces were the most impacted whereas those in homes with more square footage did not see similarly high levels. Further, research on gas stove usage in the U.S. indicated that gas stoves are more common in wealthier homes than in lower income households. However, these individuals do not experience an increased risk of adult deaths or childhood asthma. The commonality of gas stoves in wealthy homes, yet the consistent focus on poor health outcomes in lower socioeconomic status and minority communities, raises questions about the role and importance of gas stoves.

Further, in restaurant culture across the U.S., cooking over a gas stove is an essential part. Many flavors can be achieved because of methods that can only be used over an open flame. Yet, how changes in natural gas and gas stove regulations will impact these individuals has gone unaddressed. Importantly, a missing and vital part of the conversation around gas stoves is its potential relationship to culture, particularly regarding minority communities and cooking culture.

For many minority cultures, an open flame is essential to food preparation. Within Indian cultures, roti, a round flatbread made from wheat flour, is commonly eaten alongside many meals and requires an open flame to achieve the correct texture and appearance. Similarly, Latino and Hispanic cultural foods, like tortillas and different meats, are known to be best prepared over an open flame. Even further, American Indians and Black Americans have dishes often prepared over an open flame to achieve the best results. Considering the role of culture in many minority communities, particularly among individuals who have recently migrated to the U.S. and are often of lower socioeconomic status, the conversation around gas stove removal becomes even murkier. Engaging in culturally competent conversations around natural gas stove removal is an essential part of the gas stove conversation that needs to be addressed.

The use of gas stoves and their role in different environments and cultures across the U.S. is complex. While most Americans are supportive of continued attempts to improve the environment and climate change outcomes, nuanced and culturally competent conversations are essential. Cultural competency is often discussed when addressing health disparities however, it also has a role in developing effective and inclusive environmental health policies. As policies are developed to reduce the use of gas stoves, policy developers need to work with community-embedded organizations to develop the language used to convey policy changes. Furthermore, working with community leaders to convey the reality of the changes helps individuals understand how the policy changes will impact them.

Most importantly, policy teams need to work with representatives from groups that will be most affected to provide useful and realistic alternatives to using gas stoves. Similarly, it may be beneficial for individuals to be made aware of how the policy changes will benefit them in the immediate (e.g., health, bills) and long-term future (e.g., environment, children's health). Currently, policies around natural gas are in flux and vary widely from state to state. However, the climate crisis continues to worsen providing ample evidence of the necessity to address pollutants that contribute at a high rate such as natural gas. Therefore, developing culturally competent yet impactful policies that will benefit the climate without negatively impacting individuals' expression of their culture through food is imperative. Overall, this discussion is important in addressing and proposing culturally competent solutions. Proposing solutions in this discussion with this in mind will make the essay stronger.