Gas Stove Childhood Asthma Lawsuits
A 2022 study estimated that gas stoves are responsible for 12.7 percent of childhood asthma cases in the United States. The study is based on the causal relationship between exposure to chemicals such as Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) emitted by gas stoves and respiratory illnesses such as asthma.
The Minneapolis Injury Attorneys at Goldenberg Lauricella are investigating the link between gas stoves and childhood asthma. Contact us today for a free gas stove childhood asthma lawsuit consultation.
Case Quick Facts
The Problem
Chemicals produced by gas stoves can irritate airways in the human respiratory system. Gas stoves cannot vent these hazardous chemicals outside the home unless an exhaust hood is used, and only 40 percent of American homes with gas stoves have exhaust hoods. Therefore, children in homes with unvented gas stoves are exposed to dangerous levels of chemicals such as NO2 and methane.
In 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported exposure to NO2 may be associated with respiratory illnesses like asthma. Short term exposure to NO2 can aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma, wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Long term exposure can lead to asthma and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.
The EPA also reported that long term exposure to NO2 is associated other injuries such as:
- Cardiovascular injuries
- Diabetes
- Poor birth outcomes
- Premature death
- Cancer
The American Medical Association and American Public Health Association have both recognized the risks gas stoves pose to public safety due to the association between NO2 exposure and asthma.
Gas Stoves Emit Chemicals When Turned Off
A 2022 study conducted by researchers at Stanford found that gas stoves emit methane even when stoves are turned off. Researchers found that nearly three quarters of the methane emissions they collected originated when the stoves were off. Further, the study found that emissions of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) such as NO2 can exceed dangerously high levels in homes without proper ventilation within minutes of using a gas stove.
The Injuries: Gas Stoves and Childhood Asthma
According to an evaluation of 41 population studies, Children living in homes that use gas stoves are 42 percent more likely to be diagnosed with asthma. The data analyzed showed that exposure to higher NO2 levels was associated with more severe asthma symptoms.
Asthma is a lifelong respiratory illness that can seriously impact quality of life. Symptoms of asthma include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Breathlessness
- Chest tightness
When severe, symptoms of asthma can be life threatening and over time can cause permanent lung damage. Environmental triggers such as tobacco smoke, dust mites, outdoor air pollution, and mold are known to exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Asthma is typically treated with prescribed inhaled cortisteroids.
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The Costs of Childhood Asthma
Asthma is linked to significant economic burden. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 6 million children under 18 have asthma. Asthma rates in the United States have been increasing every year, with the highest increases seen in black children and children from low-income families. According to the American Lung Association, children from families with income below the poverty threshold were 11 percent more likely to be diagnosed with asthma.
Children with asthma can require substantial healthcare expenses. These expenses include:
- Treatment of asthma attacks – over 50 percent of children with asthma reported at least one attack in 2016 and children under 5 reported the highest attack rates (75%) compared to other ages.
- Frequent doctors’ appointments
- Emergency Room visits
- Prescription Cortisteroid Inhalers
The CDC estimates that asthma cost the US $56 billion in medical costs, lost school and work, and early deaths in 2007.
The Defendants – Industry Has Known Gas Stove Risks For Decades
Gas stove manufacturers include some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations, including GE, Samsung, Whirlpool, LG, and Electrolux. The Science News reported as far back as 1984 that two gas stove industry research groups were developing burners that would limit harmful emissions. These ”jet powered infrared gas-range burners” would have used 40 percent less gas than standard burners and emitted 40 percent less NOx. However, the technology was never developed for widespread use. Instead, gas stove manufacturers have continued to develop and distribute stoves that emit dangerous levels of irritants.
While industry trade groups publicly claim that gas stoves pose little risk to consumers, the message changes when behind closed doors. NPR recently reported comments from a 2020 webinar presented by a top natural gas industry executive that suggest the industry is well aware of the risks.
“Gas cooking does generate indoor air emissions of contaminants, including carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, trace amounts of materials such as formaldehyde and so forth….But recognizing that, it’s not an issue that’s going to be easy to paper over, because… these products do have emissions.”
Ted Williams, American Gas Association’s Senior Director for Codes and Standards
Fighting For Children Since 1986
The Toxic Exposure Attorneys at Goldenberg Lauricella have been representing children harmed by dangerous products for over 40 years. We are parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles who want to make the world as safe as possible for the children who bring so much joy to our lives. That is why we are investigating the link between gas stoves and childhood asthma. The story of this case is all too familiar – an industry fueled by maximizing profits that prioritizes rewarding its shareholders over the safety of its customers. Your team at Goldenberg Lauricella has the experience you need to fight for justice.
If your child has been diagnosed with asthma after exposure to gas stoves, contact Goldenberg Lauricella today for a free gas stove lawsuit consultation.
Asthma Quick Facts
1 In 12 Diagnosed with Asthma
According to the CDC, 1 in 12 Americans – or approximately 25 million people, have been diagnosed with asthma and that number continues to increase each year.
10 Percent Of Children Have Asthma
Approximately 1 in 10 children are diagnosed with asthma.
More Common Among Black and Hispanic Populations
Sadly, Asthma impacts Black and Hispanic populations more than other racial and ethnic groups. Over 1 in 6 Black children and 1 in 9 Hispanic children are diagnosed with asthma.
Cost of Asthma: $3,300 Per Person
The average cost per patient of having asthma comes to about $3,300 per year.
Over 50% Suffer Asthma Attacks
At least 53 percent of Americans with asthma suffer at least one asthma attack per year. Asthma attacks can be prevented with inhaled cortisteroids and other prescribed medications, along with avoiding common triggers.