Health organisations are hoping Victoria's ban on gas in new homes could help significantly improve the health of children. While the government's announcement focused on cutting emissions and reducing energy bills, health advocates say it could also reduce childhood asthma rates.
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00:00 It's a common feature in Victorian homes.
00:05 The gas stove top is where many families have long gathered to cook meals.
00:10 But recent studies have linked cooking with gas to childhood asthma.
00:15 Children have smaller lungs and the same concentrations of pollutants are more potent for them.
00:22 Gas cooktop appliances produce nitrogen dioxide which is known to trigger symptoms and also
00:28 contribute to cases of asthma.
00:30 The Peak Asthma Body is hoping Victoria's ban on gas appliances in new homes from next
00:36 year can help reduce childhood asthma.
00:39 Banning gas in homes and creating healthier home environments will help both to reduce
00:46 the risk of symptoms and flare-ups and hospital visits.
00:49 A 2021 report by the environmental organisation the Climate Council estimated gas cooking
00:56 could be responsible for up to 12% of the country's childhood asthma burden.
01:01 Where your child is exposed to a smoker in the house, gas stoves can have a similar effect.
01:07 If they're not well flued, not well ventilated, or they leak.
01:11 The Victorian Government's decision to ban gas appliances in new homes from next year
01:17 has been widely supported by health and environmental organisations as well as many construction
01:23 and industry bodies.
01:24 But the gas industry says it will reduce consumer choice and the opposition has also criticised
01:31 the move.
01:32 This is now forcing Victorians down one path at a time when electricity costs have increased
01:37 by 25%.
01:39 While the Victorian Government believes its gas ban will save families money, the exact
01:44 impact on household budgets is yet to be seen.
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