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Being a parent often means being vigilant about potential dangers that could affect our children. When I became a mother, I became acutely aware of risks lurking everywhere – from busy streets to unfamiliar faces, and even the cleaning products stored under the kitchen sink. My instinct to protect my children kicked in, pushing me to evaluate every possible threat.
As a pediatrician and environmental scientist, I understand that many families unknowingly expose their kids to hazards each time they cook dinner, heat their homes in the winter, or do laundry. The natural gas commonly used in our stoves and heating systems releases a cocktail of harmful chemical pollutants – including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, and fine particulate matter – into our indoor air, putting our children’s health at risk.
Alarming Statistics
Recent findings show alarming statistics: children raised in homes with gas stoves face a 42% increased risk of developing asthma symptoms. This risk escalates in smaller living spaces, such as apartments, where ventilation is limited.
The Shift from Coal to Gas
Historically, coal-fired power plants were the primary contributors to air pollution in the U.S., posing significant public health threats. However, natural gas has increasingly taken its place, touted as a cleaner alternative. Unfortunately, gas is harmful in different ways; it now produces more carbon pollution than coal in the U.S. and is the leading contributor to global carbon emissions. The extraction and transportation processes of U.S.-produced gas are incredibly dirty, releasing methane – a greenhouse gas much more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term – and contaminating the air and water in affected areas.
Research Findings
New research from the Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Rocky Mountain Institute reveals a troubling reality: in 19 states and Washington D.C., pollution from burning gas for energy has led to more deaths than coal did in 2017. Fossil fuel air pollution is responsible for nearly 20% of premature deaths worldwide, accounting for around 350,000 fatalities in the U.S. alone in 2018, as highlighted in another Harvard study.
Hope for Change
There is hope for change. Families who have the means should consider replacing their gas stoves with electric or induction alternatives. Furthermore, policymakers at every level need to promote a shift away from gas dependence, implementing regulations that require all-electric new constructions and facilitating retrofits for existing buildings. Many low-income families, particularly those in African American and Hispanic communities, face disproportionate exposure to indoor air pollution. Government funding should support these families in transitioning to electric appliances.
A recent study suggests that achieving an 80% clean energy grid by 2030 (and 90% by 2035) is possible without increasing consumer costs, even as we electrify buildings and transportation. This transition would save over $1 trillion in public health costs while generating $1.5 trillion in investments.
Conclusion
Gas presents a level of risk that we would never tolerate in other areas of our lives. We meticulously check the safety ratings of everything our children come into contact with, from toys to furniture. Why don’t we apply this same diligence to ensuring the quality of the air they breathe at home?
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Summary
The use of natural gas for cooking and heating can pose serious health risks to children, contributing to asthma and other health issues. With a shift toward electric appliances and support from policymakers, families can reduce their exposure to harmful pollutants. Awareness and action are crucial for safeguarding our children’s health.