[IL] Support Family Indoor-Air Protection Act: HB4272/SB3974
- Faith in Place Action Fund
- Feb 24
- 2 min read
About The Bill
People deserve the facts about the risks associated with products so that they can make informed purchasing decisions and take steps to protect the health of their families. A warning label requirement on new sales of ventless gas-burning appliances will provide transparency to consumers so they can make informed decisions when purchasing products for their homes and families. Send a message to your legislators to cosponsor HB4272/SB3974!
About the Problem
For over 40 years, research has documented indoor air pollution from gas-burning appliances. Yet a 2024 report found that 76% of retail associates either denied or were unaware of the health risks associated with burning gas indoors. Illinois families deserve the facts.
The American Medical Association and the American Public Health Association both recommend alerting consumers to the risks posed by gas appliance pollution, with APHA specifically calling for warning labels. Research shows that gas appliances emit nitrogen dioxide (NOâ‚‚), carbon monoxide (CO), and the carcinogen benzene, all pollutants that can accumulate indoors and, in some cases, exceed EPA health-protective standards for outdoor air quality:
21.1% of childhood asthma cases in Illinois are attributed to gas stove pollution
Children in homes with gas stoves are 42% more likely to develop asthma symptoms
Low-income families and Black and Hispanic households breathe 20% more NOâ‚‚ from gas appliances than the national average
Just as Illinois protects families from outdoor air pollution and other environmental hazards, we must address the pollutants people breathe inside their homes where they spend approximately 90% of their time.
The Solution
By requiring warning labels on certain new non-externally vented gas-burning appliances, this legislation seeks to peel back the curtain on the indoor air pollution risks posed by these common household appliances, providing Illinois consumers with the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions and take steps to protect their health and safety. HB4272/SB3974 represents a critical step toward empowering consumers with the knowledge they deserve about risks products at point of sale.Â