Beyond Toxics will release findings of its study, “Seeing is Believing: Visualizing Indoor Air Pollution from Gas Stoves.” The study details the results of testing 13 different homes in Eugene and Springfield for the presence of concerning levels of toxic indoor air pollution emitted by residential gas stoves.
Beyond Toxics used an industry-standard optical gas imaging camera alongside a personal air quality monitor in homes ranging in size and age to determine levels of toxic gasses accumulating in kitchens while gas stoves were in use. Air monitor results found that using one burner on low heat for under five minutes, combined with preheating an oven to 350 degrees, resulted in harmful, sometimes hazardous nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels, plus other toxic chemicals in six of thirteen houses.
Awareness and discussion of the use and perpetuation of gas appliances in residential construction has become a hotly debated topic in Eugene and across the country in recent months. Over 90 cities have taken action to curb the expansion of natural gas infrastructure for public health and climate benefits. Beyond Toxics’ report shows indoor air pollutants do increase with normal gas stove use and includes resources for those interested in switching to electric appliances.
Beyond Toxics with Fossil Free Eugene will be holding a virtual news conference to discuss the findings of this report:
When: Monday, April 17 at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Zoom https://beyondtoxics-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckcu-hqD0jGNWBogpU8edkhgV0oD awFs5E
We will send you an embargoed PDF of the report when you register for the news conference.
Who: Speakers: Lisa Arkin, Executive Director of Beyond Toxics; Mason Leavitt, Beyond Toxics GIS and Spatial Data Coordinator; Moderator: Emily Matlock, Membership and Communications Coordinator, Beyond Toxics
What: 10-15 minute presentation on the report and time for questions, photos and videos.
“With this study, we were able to show that using a gas stove inside your home leads to increased levels of air pollutants,” said Mason Leavitt, GIS and Spatial Data Coordinator at Beyond Toxics. “We know that repeated, prolonged exposure to these toxic chemicals can lead to adverse health effects. This new report will educate the public on ways they can reduce everyday exposure in their homes, on any budget.”
“Our hope is to show that by creating policies and offering incentives to go all-electric, Eugene and cities across the U.S. can move toward building a fossil-free future,” said Lisa Arkin, Executive Director of Beyond Toxics. “It is critical that we move away from polluting the air in our homes with methane gas.”
For more information on the study and our campaign to build a fossil-free future, visit beyondtoxics.org.