Indoor Air Quality

Yes, natural gas is a safe energy choice for cooking, and it should always be handled properly and with care.

We encourage customers to ensure there is proper ventilation when cooking, to follow manufacturer instructions for equipment and appliances, and to ensure carbon monoxide detectors are in proper working order.

Cooking with natural gas, as with any energy source, creates emissions. However, studies have shown these concentrations to be well below safe levels established by government regulations. In specific regard to asthma, we are not aware of any substantiated scientific studies or research finding there to be a causal relationship with gas stoves.

Safety is our top priority, and we will continue to work across the industry to stay informed on this important topic.

Natural gas by itself has no smell. Because of this, an odorant called mercaptan is injected into natural gas, giving it the distinctive smell of rotten eggs. The odor makes natural gas easy to detect and can alert the public of a natural gas leak and help avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

In addition to having a distinct smell, natural gas leaks are often visual, causing bubbling water, blowing dirt or dead plants. You also may see sinkholes or exposed pipe. It’s also possible to hear a hissing sound near a natural gas line or meter.