Health concerns set off gas stove debate

According to reporting by Bloomberg News last week, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commision was looking at a ban on gas stoves, amid rising concerns over indoor air pollutants emitted by these gas appliances. But the Wednesday following Bloomberg’s reporting, the White House came out with a statement saying “The President does not support banning gas stoves — and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which is independent, is not banning gas stoves.”

It set the nation on a frenzy, on what could very well be another so-called “culture war.” Many online defended their use of the gas stove, saying it’s the only way to cook. Others said it’s time to move on and the health concerns outweigh the cooking benefits.

To discuss the debate and the underlying health concerns, we were joined by an assistant professor of applied health science, the executive director of the Illinois Petroleum Resources Board, and the owner of an Illinois culinary school.

GUESTS:

Sheena Martenies

Assistant Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Applied Health Sciences Department of Kinesiology and Community Health 

Seth Whitehead

Executive Director, Illinois Petroleum Resources Board

Kara Fanelli

Owner and Executive Chef, Farmhouse Academy

Prepared for web by Owen Henderson

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