It is time for policymakers to clear the air on gas cooking

OPINION – Football season doesn’t start until September, but the California State Assembly is already on the field and running to score points with a favorite political football: gas cooking.

In their latest dig at gas cooking, legislators are voting on a bill (AB 2513) that would require manufacturers to affix a “prominent” label to gas cooking appliances. The label would state, contrary to the best available science, that gas ranges “can release” toxins that cause or exacerbate certain health issues.

What is another label in a state where thousands of consumer products are already required to carry Prop 65 labels? Simply, it is that no peer-reviewed, sound field study conducted in the U.S. supports what the labels would be required to state. The proposed label would spread misinformation that would do nothing but alarm and confuse consumers.

Instead of requiring a misleading label, home appliance manufacturers have a better idea: Let’s have a meaningful conversation about how policymakers and manufacturers can work together to better inform consumers about the real issue, improving indoor air quality while cooking. While the science supporting the need for a label on gas cooking appliances is shaky at best, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does cite PM 2.5 — particulate matter emitted during all cooking, regardless of whether a gas or electric appliance is used — as the primary concern for indoor air quality issues related to cooking. It is notable that EPA does not consider gas stoves to be a significant contributor to indoor air quality or health hazards

Gas is the preferred method of cooking for many home cooks and is used in nearly 70 percent of homes across California. Every gas cooking appliance sold in California and across the U.S. meets or exceeds current safety standards and building code requirements. It is well established that PM 2.5 can be effectively addressed with an externally vented range hood, a room air cleaner or even opening a window while cooking. The California Air Resources Board found that cooking-related particulate pollutants can be effectively removed through proper ventilation. The California building codes determined this as well. We clearly have the science and knowledge about the importance of using ventilation while cooking. Now it is time to work together to make sure every Californian knows it, too.

Home appliance manufacturers are ready to support efforts to educate consumers on the importance of ventilation while cooking. Manufacturers have led campaigns – at times in partnership with public health officials – to alert consumers to risks like unattended cooking, range tipping, and other hazards that come from improper appliance use. The industry is leading the development and improvement of standards aimed at improving indoor air quality. Education is part of that improvement.

It is time to stop playing political football with gas cooking. If state legislators genuinely believe that cooking appliances need a label, Californians deserve a label with accurate information that is supported by science, not speculation and politics. The home appliance industry is willing to work with them to develop one. Manufacturers invite California legislators to come to the table to clear the air, so to speak, and start educating California consumers about the need for and benefits of ventilation while cooking.

Kelly Mariotti is President and CEO of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.