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.
01:47 [BLANK_AUDIO]
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