Natural Gas Is Feeling The Heat / by Lee McKnight

The internet is aflame with articles about the risk of indoor appliances that run on natural gas. Gas stoves are under scrutiny for the general health risks posed by exposure to toxins released during combustion, the potential for toxins to leak out when appliances are off, alleged specific health risks to children, and overall pollutants they release that contribute to climate change. 

Multnomah County Public Health released its review of the evidence connecting gas stoves to poor indoor air quality. Regional news outlets have recently reported on gas stove research and the future of natural gas in the state of Oregon. If you have specific concerns about the alleged impacts of gas stoves on children with asthma, read this piece by economist Emily Oster, where she unpacks the data (her area of expertise is health economics and statistical methods) circulating on this topic.

Switching from natural gas to electric for any appliance is an involved project that will likely include upgrades to your electrical panel. This New York Times piece (potential paywall) outlines things to consider before committing to gas appliances and offers links to information about qualifying for economic incentives for electric appliances. 

As usual, we are always here to talk these things through if you have questions>>