I am writing to inform your readers about the dangers of using gas appliances in homes.
All gas appliances release methane even when they’re not in use. Gas stoves pose an asthma risk to children comparable to secondhand smoke. Children in homes with gas stoves face a 42 per cent increased risk of asthma symptoms with harmful emissions of formaldehyde, methane, nitrogen oxides and other pollutants found inside homes.
Fracking to extract methane, also known as “natural gas” is associated with many health risks including dangerous groundwater contamination. Gas is highly flammable, and leaks can lead to explosion, evacuations, injuries and deaths.
Burning methane gas to heat and power buildings is one of the top sources of climate-wrecking emissions in towns and cities. Moving off methane as soon as possible is crucial to combating global temperature rise and preventing dangerous and deadly health consequences.
Building with all-electric will save money for buildings, especially if heat pumps are used. The costs of operating high-efficiency electric appliances is lower and saves people money over time.
I feel it’s important to know there are alternatives to the use of so-called natural gas which are safer for our homes, our communities and the environment.
Kerry Mewhort, Oliver
