Indoor Air Quality and Natural Gas

The health and safety of our customers and communities is our top priority.

Your safety is always our priority.

There has been a lot of talk about natural gas usage and the impact it has on our indoor air quality. We believe in transparency and that’s why we would like to provide you with the facts and address your questions and concerns.
 
You may have read about studies in news reports which claim that natural gas emits chemicals that cause or contribute to health issues. Rest assured these health claims have not been supported by any official federal agency responsible for monitoring indoor air quality. In fact, the World Health Organization, the United Nations agency dedicated to global health and safety, funded an official study that concluded that heating and cooking with natural gas stoves is not associated with asthma in children or adults.
 
On this page, you will not only find peace of mind, but you’ll find answers to FAQs, educational resources, and information regarding the many benefits of natural gas.

 
Indoor Air Quality
 
Red Icon small

Myth

Natural gas appliances pose a substantial risk to health.
Green Icon small

Fact

Studies mentioned in news reports claiming that natural gas emits chemicals that cause or contribute to people developing asthma, breathing problems, and cancer have not been substantiated by any official federal agency responsible for monitoring indoor air quality.
 
A study funded by the World Health Organization found no significant association between natural gas and asthma, wheeze, cough, or breathlessness.
Red Icon small

Myth

Cooking with natural gas generates emissions.
Green Icon small

Fact

A study funded by the World Health Organization examined the health risks of cooking or heating with natural gas compared to other fuels and electricity. When compared to other solid household fuels, natural gas was associated with a lower risk of several health conditions.
Red Icon small

Myth

The government is considering a ban on natural gas stoves.
Green Icon small

Fact

Official federal agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Consumer Product Safety Commission and others responsible for monitoring indoor air quality and the safety of consumer products, have not completed any formal investigations nor made any official statements which intend to impose a ban on natural gas appliances.
Red Icon small

Myth

Reports have been published that link natural gas appliances with respiratory illnesses.
Green Icon small

Fact

The Rocky Mountain Institute think tank recently acknowledged that their report published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health does not assume or estimate a causal relationship between childhood asthma and natural gas stoves. Link here
 
Organizations, funded by non-governmental agencies, that are making these allegations are relying on reports that did not test natural gas stoves and have omitted research that found no association between gas stoves and asthma.
 
Within most of the referenced studies, the concentrations of the constituents of concern attributable to emissions were well below safe levels established by government agencies.
Red Icon small

Myth

Natural gas emits pollutants into the environment and is not a sustainable energy source.
Green Icon small

Fact

Natural gas utilities have reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 69% since 1990, and help homeowners reduce their carbon emissions 1.2% every year. The use of natural gas has reduced power sector emissions to 40-year lows and, as an essential back up fuel, has enabled the growth of renewables.
Red Icon small

Myth

Southwest Gas has no safety parameters in place.
Green Icon small

Fact

Southwest Gas owns and maintains the natural gas piping and facilities leading up to and including our natural gas meter. Integrity management programs ensure the integrity and safety of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines that meet or exceed all local, state and federal regulations. Our programs include proactive prevention of pipeline failures achieved through continuous assessments, risk analysis and extensive prevention and damage measures.
 
We also conduct a robust consumer safety awareness program which include education on natural gas leak detection. Natural gas is actually odorless. For safety reasons, Southwest Gas injects an element which emits an odor similar to sulfur or rotten eggs. So, the smell of rotten eggs helps identify a potential natural gas leak. You can also identify a gas leak if you hear a hissing sound from the appliance or see dirt blowing or water bubbling. 
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to cook with Natural Gas?

Cooking with natural gas is generally safe as long as you follow proper safety precautions. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  1. Make sure you have proper ventilation: All forms of cooking, whether using electric or natural gas equipment, especially at high temperatures, generate emissions. Make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated, such as the use of a range hood, to allow for the proper circulation of air.
     
  2. Use your stove correctly: Do not use your stove to heat your home or to dry clothes. Make sure you turn off the burners when you are finished cooking and do not leave them unattended.
     
  3. Check for gas leaks: If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, leave the area immediately. Do not use any electrical switches, appliances, or light fixtures, as this could create a spark and cause an explosion. From a safe place, call 911 and Southwest Gas at 877-860-6020 .
     
  4. Keep flammable materials away from the stove: Keep towels, potholders, and other flammable materials away from the burners to prevent fires.

By following these precautions, you can safely use natural gas to cook in your kitchen.

 I use natural gas appliances in my home, will this cause me to develop asthma or other breathing problems?
Studies mentioned in news reports claiming that natural gas emits chemicals that cause or contribute to people developing asthma, breathing problems, and cancer have not been substantiated by any official federal agency responsible for monitoring indoor air quality. Organizations, funded by non-governmental agencies, that are making these allegations are relying on reports that did not test natural gas stoves and have omitted research that found no association between gas stoves and asthma.
 
If you suspect your natural gas appliance is not working properly, have it serviced or repaired by contacting a contractor or appliance dealer. As a free, convenient service, Southwest Gas maintains a contractor referral program with properly licensed companies in most of the areas we serve. We recommend checking with more than one to compare their rates and schedules.
 
 Can range hoods improve indoor air quality?
Range hoods and proper ventilation can improve indoor air quality by removing emissions from the cooking process from the air in the kitchen. Range hoods work by drawing air in from the kitchen through a filter and exhausting it outside, which can help to reduce the concentration of cooking odors, smoke, and other emissions in the air inside the kitchen. It is important to regularly clean and maintain the filters on range hoods to ensure that they are functioning properly.
 Do the types of food you cook impact indoor air quality?

Frying foods, heating oil, fat and other food ingredients, especially at high temperatures can generate emissions, whether using electric or natural gas equipment. The best way to ventilate your kitchen is to use a properly installed range hood over your stove.

 What do I do if I suspect a gas leak?

If at any time, if you suspect a natural gas leak, leave the area immediately and from a safe place call 911 and us at 877-860-6020 .

 How do I identify a gas leak?
For safety reasons, Southwest Gas injects an element into natural gas which emits an odor similar to sulfur or rotten eggs. Additional ways to identify a gas leak are if you were to hear a hissing sound from the appliance or see dirt blowing or water bubbling.