Gray Panthers NYC Memorandum of Support for the Healthy Homes Right to Know Act

(S1280b/A73b) (Krueger/Solages) 

To Whom it may Concern;

The New York City Gray Panthers asks for your support and co-sponsorship of the Healthy Homes Right to Know Act.

This bill seeks to uplift public understanding about the possible harms posed by emissions from gas stoves by requiring warning labels creating real, informed consumer choice.

Studies show most Americans are unaware that gas stoves emit benzene, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide which are associated with cancer, COPD, hematological issues, cardiovascular problems, pneumonia, asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Some of these issues can be particularly problematic for seniors.

In fact, in 2023, ten state Attorneys General, including the New York Attorney General and the New York City Corporation Counsel, wrote a letter declaring that the public was unaware of this problem and asking the Consumer Product Safety Commission to require warning labels on gas stoves to alert the public about gas stove emissions.

These pollutants can be released at levels inside the home which can often exceed outdoor air quality standards set by groups like the EPA and the World Health Organization. This matters because, according to the EPA, Americans on average now spend 90% of their time indoors.

Some groups including the elderly, the very young, and people with cardiovascular and respiratory issues, may spend even more than 90% of their time indoors where bad indoor air quality can be a real problem for those most vulnerable individuals.

Please support and co-sponsor the Healthy Homes Right to Know Act.

Sincerely yours,

Michelle Arnot, President