I grew up and learned to cook with a gas stovetop. When I later encountered an electric one I rejected the inherent time-lag. It never occurred to me that I was creating health risks!

These risks are caused by emissions similar to those from cars and from oil and gas drilling, but have been downplayed while natural gas is promoted as a bridge fuel between coal and renewables. The nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds that are released during fracking operations and from tailpipes combine in the atmosphere, where sunlight is present, to cause the majority of ground-level ozone.

These same toxic chemicals, along with carbon monoxide, are emitted when we burn natural gas in our homes. Sometimes, because of the enclosed space, their concentration exceeds federal safety limits. When vented into the atmosphere, they contribute to climate change in addition to ozone formation.

An additional component of the air pollution caused by burning natural gas is particulate matter. Most of the adverse health effects from air pollution are related to decreased lung function and asthma, particularly for children and the elderly. Particulate matter carries the additional risks of heart disease, stroke, low birthweight and preterm labor. Carbon monoxide is deadly at high concentration.

Even though we cannot personally control wildfires or air pollution or hot weather, we can eliminate the risks inside our homes by using induction cooktops, high-efficiency electric appliances and heat pumps. Learn more from physicians who care: https://www.psrcolorado.org/heh-resource.

Lauri Costello

Durango