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Do gas stoves need warning labels? NY lawmakers resurrect a bill to make it happen.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Published Mar 24, 2025
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By
Rosemary Misdary
Published Mar 24, 2025
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New gas stoves could get warning labels informing consumers of potential health hazards, just like a pack of cigarettes sold at a corner bodega.
New York state legislators have reintroduced a bill, Healthy Homes Right to Know Act, to require stores and online shops to include a prominently placed warning that the stoves “may exacerbate or contribute to the development of respiratory illnesses.” The bill's backers are hopeful it will pass this session after previous attempts failed amid what Politico described as “gas stove hysteria.” California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar bill last year, leaving an opening for New York to become the first state requiring the health warnings.
“People are completely having meltdowns about confusion that we're going to take all of their gas and oil away from them and their gas appliances away from them,” said state Sen. Liz Krueger, one of the bill’s 19 sponsors. “These things can kill you. We thought that it would be important to at least require printed information that explains to you the risks of gas stoves and the risks of having an exhaust pipe in your kitchen.”
About 70% of New York City households cook using gas. Even homes that rely primarily on take-out are exposed to health risks– a gas stove produces nearly 75% of its methane emissions while turned off. Research has shown that indoor air quality can suffer as a result.
The pollutants emitted by a gas stove can be deadly, and are linked to cancer and blood diseases. Statewide, nearly 20% of childhood asthma cases can be attributed to a gas stove at home, according to a Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health study cited in text of the legislation.
“ The gas stove in the home is approximately equivalent to having a smoker in the household,” said Dr. Kathleen Nolan, a pediatrician and the president of the New York chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility.
Nationally, Republicans have seized on Democrats’ support of gas stove regulations as an example of a nanny state run amok.
“The studies generating headlines about natural gas stoves being a public health hazard are riddled with flaws,” said Tom Pyle, president of the Institute for Energy Research. “Rather than fueling unnecessary fear, New York politicians should respect individuals' rights to make decisions about their own lives — not just because it's politically advantageous, but because treating others with dignity means not infantilizing them."
In 2023, New York banned gas stoves in new buildings starting in 2026 for smaller buildings and 2029 for larger buildings. Labor unions and businesses are challenging the law in court.
The bill's supporters insist the label merely helps consumers make educated choices, especially if there is a household member living with asthma.
“ It gives them the information at the time of the purchase,” Nolan said. “ Most people don't know when they go in to make a purchase of a stove that using the gas stove indoors will be harmful to their health, will have these contaminants and can make them or their family members sick.”
Despite the health risks, the debate rages about the superiority of cooking with gas, prompting a resistance movement that includes lawmakers who insist they will never give up their gas ranges. Celebrity chefs such as Jose Andres have also joined the fray, arguing that gas stoves offer more control of the heat and better flavor. But not all chefs agree.
”The idea that it's somehow going to hinder your creativity and hinder your expression or hinder your cuisine is just not true,” said chef Christopher Galarza, CEO and founder of Forward Dining Solutions, which promotes sustainability in food service. “ It doesn't matter if you're cooking on a campfire or an induction range. A roast is a roast, a braise is a braise, a sear is a sear, a sauté is a sauté, these things don't change. It's about fundamentals and techniques.”
Krueger is very optimistic that the bill will pass the state Senate again. The bill was originally introduced in the previous legislative session, but did not pass the Assembly. The bill’s primary sponsor in that chamber, Assembly member Michaelle Solages, said support is growing for the legislation.
The original warning label language was amended to remove “poisonous gas” when referring to carbon monoxide, which is in fact poisonous. The new version of the label also doesn’t include links to childhood asthma.
The current version of the proposed warning reads: “Warning: Gas stoves can emit gases (such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene and formaldehyde) inside homes at levels exceeding the EPA’s standards for outdoor air quality. The presences of these pollutants can affect your health and may exacerbate or contribute to the development of respiratory illnesses. Properly installed and operating ventilation to the outdoors can reduce but not eliminate the emissions.”
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Health and Science
Rosemary Misdary
Rosemary is health & science reporter. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or Signal 646-544-9524.
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