Australian Doctors Urge Ban on Gas Appliances, Citing Health Risks

Doctors are advocating for the Australian government to prohibit new gas projects and phase out gas appliances, asserting that the fossil fuel presents a significant public health hazard. Children and hospitality workers are identified as particularly vulnerable to the health risks associated with gas, while wider harm could arise from its extraction and contribution to climate change.

Doctors for the Environment Australia released the findings of a report on Wednesday, coinciding with its launch at Parliament House in Canberra. This call to action comes as several new gas projects gain momentum in Australia, including developments in the Beetaloo Basin in the Northern Territory. The report, titled 'Gas and its Overlooked Health Risks,' analyzes national and international research on the impacts of gas.

The report establishes a strong correlation between gas usage and asthma, citing Australian modeling that suggests 12.3 percent of childhood asthma cases could be linked to gas cooking. Adults also face an elevated risk of persistent asthma and shortness of breath from exposure to burning gas, with studies indicating that a transition to electric cooking can lead to improved health outcomes. Furthermore, hospitality workers are at risk of high exposure to harmful pollutants from gas stoves in inadequately ventilated kitchens. The report also notes other gas-related risks for workers in mining, manufacturing, and laboratory settings.

"Gas is not clean or safe - it can harm our health at every stage of its life cycle," said Dr. Kate Wylie, executive director of Doctors for the Environment Australia. "We need a clear plan to phase out this polluting fuel and support households and businesses to transition to clean energy, such as solar and wind."

The report recommends that the government cease approving new gas projects and establish a clear timeline for phasing out gas extraction, distribution, use, and exports. It also calls for targeted financial support to assist vulnerable groups, such as low-income households and renters, in replacing gas appliances and disconnecting from the gas network. Dr. Wylie commended governments in Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory for their restrictions on new gas connections in residential and some commercial properties, but emphasized the need for national policy changes.

"Governments must not delay action on major public health hazards," she stated. "Australia has acted before to reduce exposure to dangerous pollutants when the evidence showed that the risks were unacceptable - fossil gas should be no different."

The report points to similar measures taken in parts of Europe and the United States, which have implemented restrictions on new gas connections. Ecuador is also highlighted for its program that replaced gas stoves in 750,000 homes, resulting in documented health benefits.