Should we use natural gas in our homes? Risk perceptions from the U.S

Abstract

Multiple municipalities in the U.S. have banned natural gas hook-ups in new home construction. Several state governments have pre-empted those bans. Yet little is known about public perceptions of natural gas appliances in the home. We used survey data to evaluate risk perceptions associated with natural gas appliances and investigate potential demographic and ideological effects on risk perceptions. We find little political polarization or “white male” effects, but those who are dissatisfied with indoor air quality and concerned about climate change have heightened risk perceptions. Overall, natural gas risk perceptions are low. However, as of late 2022, the health implications of natural gas use in the home and potential mitigation policy have entered public discourse, implying that these risks may become more salient and politically charged. We conclude by discussing implications for indoor environments and policy.

Keywords:

• natural gas
• indoor air
• risk perception

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).